MLK Birthday Celebration Returns To RCC For 40th Consecutive Year

RESTON, VA — For the 40th consecutive year, the Reston Community Center is hosting a series of community events to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“RCC kicks off each year with essential discussions on social justice,” said Beverly Cosham, who chairs RCC’s board of governors. “We are committed to uniting the community to foster empathy and engagement as we actively pursue Dr. King’s vision.”

Angela Rye, a political strategist, lawyer and the principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, will deliver the birthday celebration’s keynote address. A self-described “Empowermenteur,” Rye is known for her insightful commentary and advocacy work, according to RCC. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair and The Washington Post.

Rye also served as the executive director and general counsel for the Congressional Black Caucus during the 112th Congress. She was also the senior policy advisor and counsel for the House Committee on Homeland Security for four years.

The keynote address will be presented on Sunday, Jan. 18, 11 a.m.,at RCC Hunters Woods: the CenterStage and followed by a community luncheon. Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.

The 2025 Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration includes a series of events, activities and projects where our community of all ages and abilities can get engaged. The following is an overview of the calendar of events:

Saturday, January 18

• Community Service Projects - 9:00 a.m., Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston. 6 years and older, Free. Join friends and neighbors in honoring Dr. King’s legacy by serving your community. As Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve.” Special projects support Cornerstones, The Closet and Reston neighborhoods. To volunteer, please contact Ha Brock, at 703-435-7986 or ha@reston.org.
• Reston Community Orchestra: “Annual Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” -4:00 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods Community Room$18 Seniors/$25 Adults, Free for Youth and Military. With music and words specifically chosen for this occasion, the RCO honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program will feature works by Duke Ellington, George Walker, Scott Joplin and William Grant Still. Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.

Sunday, January 19

• Keynote Address presented by Angela Rye followed by the Community Luncheon 11:00 a.m., RCC Hunters Woods: the CenterStage and Community Room$5 Reston/$20 Non-Reston, All Age Registration Required. Angela Rye, a prominent advocate for social justice, will deliver the Keynote Address. Known for her insightful commentary, she has collaborated with major civil rights organizations like the National Urban League and NAACP and has been featured in the New York Times. As the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, she focuses on political advocacy and racial equity. Her presentation will provide a significant perspective on contemporary issues in honor of Dr. King’s birthday. Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.
• “Generations Rise: Reston” World Premiere - RCC Hunters Woods Community Room. At the conclusion of the Community Luncheon, RCC will screen the world premiere of“Generations Rise: Reston,” presented by the films’ Reston-based director Rebekah Wingert. As part of Ping Chong & Company’s "Undesirable Elements" series, this documentary explores the experiences of five Reston residents who share their stories of “unheard voices” in an effort to move our community forward in its pursuit of compassion and inclusion of all people.
• MLK Birthday Celebration Especially for Youth - 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods 6 – 12 Years Old, Free. Registration Required. Children rotate through a series of activities, which include a performance, age-appropriate video and arts and crafts, that are based on the history of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Lunch will be provided. Children should be registered in advance. If space permits, registration is available at the door.

The Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration weekend is presented by Reston Community Center in cooperation with the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Cornerstones, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, The Closet, the Office of Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, Reston Association and Reston Community Orchestra.

For more information, contact RCC’s Offsite and Collaboration Director Maggie Parker at 703-390-6164 or Margaret.Parker@fairfaxcounty.gov. To register for programs, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500.
About Reston Community Center

Reston Community Center provides a wide range of programs in aquatics, arts, enrichment and lifelong learning for all ages. RCC creates and sustains community traditions through special events, outreach activities and facility rentals enjoyed by all of Reston. For more information, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500.