FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 01/05/2018 Contact: Raquishia Harrington, Recreation Program Supervisor
Phone: 319-356-5100
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Iowa City
The City of Iowa City is partnering with several community based organizations to host a series of events to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Events kickoff Friday, Jan. 12 and last through MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018. The events are free to the public and all are welcome.
The celebration begins Friday, Jan. 12 with Family Day and includes a family swim from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert St., and family roller skating from 6 to 7:45 p.m. at Grant Wood Elementary Schools, 1930 Lakeside Dr.
On Saturday, Jan. 13, students in grades 5 through 12 are invited to the Change Makers Youth Day Celebration at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. This event run from noon to 4 p.m. and aims to nurture, empower and inspire the next generation with engaging activities, discussions and more. Snacks are included. A basketball skills challenge from 4 to 6 p.m. will follow with the winner taking home a $25 gift card.
On Monday, Jan. 15, the community is invited to participate in a Day of Service, which will kick off with a Unity March from 9 to 10 a.m. starting at Faith Academy, 1030 Crosspark Ave., and ending at Grant Wood Elementary School. After the march, a Volunteer Day will take place at the school and includes volunteer opportunities, entertainment, resource information, care package assembly and an ‘I Have a Dream’ vision wall. A Call to Action Community Town Hall Meeting will end the day, also at the school, with a donation drive from noon to 1:30 p.m.
These activities are being coordinated by the MLK Alliance Group, which is made up of local non-profits, individuals, and public, as well as private, service organizations. Events are supported by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, the Iowa City Human Rights Commission and the Iowa City Police Department, as well as many other local organizations.
For more information, contact Special and Underserved Populations Recreation Supervisor Raquishia Harrington at raquishia-harrington@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5100.
