Colorado College continues its tradition of hosting the Colorado Springs’ commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his continuing legacy with the All People’s Breakfast at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 17. The theme of this year’s virtual program is “It Starts With Me,” and includes personal stories from local trailblazers in government, education, and the arts. The event will be virtual in order to keep the community safe and in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.
Among those speaking will be Yolanda Avila, Colorado Springs City councilwoman; Lt. Gen. Richard Clark, superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy; Colorado State Rep. Tony Exum, Sr.; Mike Edmonds, CC senior vice president; Joe Garcia, Colorado Community College System chancellor; Rosemary Lytle, president of the NAACP state conference; Venkat Reddy, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs chancellor; L. Song Richardson, president of Colorado College; Peggy Shivers of The Shivers Fund at the Pikes Peak Library District; Ashley Paul, African American Youth Leadership Conference (AAYLC) student of the month; and Khaleigh Reed, AAYLC student of the month.
Additionally, Rev. Eric Graham of Emmanuel Baptist Church will give the invocation; CC’s Elder in Residence Debbie Howell will give the Native blessing and land acknowledgement; and Pikes Peak Poet Laureate Ashley Cornelius will give the closing call to action.
As in the past, the celebration will be a fundraiser on behalf of the NAACP and Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission. Tickets are available at 2cc.co/MLK2022 with a suggested donation of $5, but people are welcome to give as much — or little — as they are able, as cost should not be a burden.
In addition to the All People’s Breakfast, a series of events is planned to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Among them are:
- 3:30 p.m., Jan. 12: Civic Superhero Training
- 10 a.m., Jan. 13: “It Starts with Me” Isaac Newtown Ferris, Jr. with Isaac Newton Farris Jr., nephew of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Jan. 15: Educating Children of Color
- 3 p.m., Jan. 16: United for a Purpose
- 1 p.m., Jan. 18: National Day of Racial Healing 2022
- 11:15 a.m., Jan. 24: “Finding Joy in the Resistance,” with media producer and author Austin Channing Brown. This is a CC First Monday event.
A full list of events can be found at www.facebook.com/KeepingKingsDreamAlive and at https://www.coloradocollege.edu/offices/butlercenter/community-collaborations/index.html