Danville, Centre College to Host MLK Day Celebration

Published 10:22 am Friday, January 17, 2025

josely.labarrere@bluegrassnewsmedia.com

Centre College’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the City of Danville and Boyle County Fiscal Court will host a Community Celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice & Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” embraces Dr. King’s enduring message of peace, justice and civic engagement.

The observance will kick off with a march at 9:00 a.m. from Danville City Hall to the Norton Center for the Arts on the campus of Centre College. After the march will be a social hour at 9:30 a.m., also held in the lobby of the Norton Center. Participants can enjoy live music, a continental breakfast and free commemorative T-shirts (while supplies last).

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Local high-energy band Michaelfly & The Sounds will perform music, along with special guest singer Kristen Carey of The Carey Band, who will perform a special set with the group before and during the social hour. The music is guaranteed to set an effervescent and lively mood for the day’s endeavors.

Keynote speaker: Rev. Dr. Daniel Corrie Shull

The program will continue at 10:30 a.m. in Newlin Hall, featuring keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Daniel Corrie Shull, a prominent advocate for social justice and education. Shull serves as the Chairman of the Jefferson County Board of Education and is the Senior Pastor of Burnett Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for his work in promoting equity and justice within education and his commitment to nonviolence, Shull’s address is expected to inspire attendees to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of peace and activism.

The event will also include performances by a combined high school choir and Centre College students, highlighting the area’s rich musical talent and fostering a sense of community through shared experiences.

Community-Wide Invitation

All community members are invited to events and encouraged to bring their families, organizers said. The event will be open to the public, with ASL interpreter services available to ensure that everyone can attend. Please tell community members to join this momentous occasion that serves as a testament to how we can all help to empower one another to make a positive difference.

Save the date: Come join your community as we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20, 2025 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. volunteer community service event in Danville.