Lincolnton Celebrates the Civil Rights Activist Who Changed the World with Four Famous Words: "I Have A Dream!"

“The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday celebrates the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example -- the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit."

"Whether you are African-American, Hispanic or Native American, whether you are Caucasian or Asian-American, you are part of the great dream Martin Luther King, Jr. had for America. This is not a black holiday; it is a peoples' holiday. And it is the young people of all races and religions who hold the keys to the fulfillment of his dream." ~Coretta Scott King

Join the Lincoln County Coalition of Churches and the local branch of the NAACP as they celebrate the life and legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior. The festivities will kick off on Sunday, January 16, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Cultural Center with a message from Dr. Joy Moore, Associate Professor of African American Studies at Duke University of Durham, North Carolina and music from the Lincolnton County Community Choir, under the direction of Ms. Michelle Derr.

The celebration will continue on Monday, January 17, 2011, at the Cultural Center with breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a message from Mr. Russell Brow, the Community & Civic Leader of Statesville, North Carolina. A youth program will follow at 11:30 a.m., in which all community and church youth groups are invited to participate. Youth will be provided with lunch and are encouraged to bring essays to share. The speakers at the youth program will be Steven Garvin and Kelly McCrary. At 3:30 p.m. the group will then gather downtown at the corner of East Main Street and Cedar Street and march, via East Main Street, to the Court Square with the accompaniment of the West Lincoln High School Band, under the direction of Mr. Tyler LaDuke, and the Student Commander of the Color Guard, Monica Self. At the Court Square, individuals will be able to attest to the impact that Dr. King’s legacy has had on their lives.

All festivities are free and open to the general public. For additional information, please call 704.736.8915