“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, area residents will join the nation in celebrating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s efforts to abolish racism in the U.S. by coming together to march, to pray and to discuss civil rights.
Below is a list of today’s MLK events.
Martin Luther King Jr. Program
Films show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Human Rights Education Institute, 414 W. Mullan Ave., in Coeur d’Alene. A panel discussion, “Civil Rights and Social Justice” will be held from noon to 2:30 p.m.
Panelists include: David Whitfield, professor of leadership and social justice; Wayne Manis, former FBI agent; and Norm Gissel, civil rights attorney. Films include: “The Witness from the Balcony of Room 306,” “King the Man of Peace in a Time of War,” “MLK the Assassination Tapes,” “ Spies of Mississippi,” and “In Remembrance of Martin King: a film record of Montgomery to Memphis and Freedom Riders.” For information, call (208) 292-2359.
Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Rally, March and Resource Fair
Annual event celebrating civil rights and the life and work of King. Program at 10 a.m. in the Integra Telecom Ballroom 100ABC at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
The march will begin and end at the Convention Center, where a resource fair takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The events are free.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration – Holy Family
The Rev. Percy “Happy” Watkins will deliver the “I Have a Dream” speech from noon to 1 p.m. at Providence Holy Family Hospital, 5633 N. Lidgerwood St.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration – Sacred Heart
Watkins will deliver the “I Have a Dream” speech from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Mother Joseph Room, 101 W. Eighth Ave.
Commemorative Celebration
The guest speaker is Carolyn Gordon, associate professor of communication, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Holy Temple Church, 806 W. Indiana Ave. The event is free.
