Seattle Center Holds MLK Day Celebration, 1/15

The DR. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration at Seattle Center offers awards and entertainment in honor of this inspirational leader, Saturday, Jan. 15, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. in Center House.

A focal point of the Celebration, the DR. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Award, organized in partnership with the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, is presented to youth and youth organizations in Seattle that have energized and carried on the dream and ideals of Dr. King by promoting peace, community leadership, social justice and equity for all citizens.

Central District Forum participates in the Celebration with a staged reading of a seldom recited speech by Dr. King, "Beyond Vietnam." The speech addresses how Americans struggled with this devastating war. Compelling musical accompaniment helps the actors to bring the difficult words to life.

The afternoon closes with a special treat, Concert for Peace, featuring a tribute to Billie Holiday. Stacie Calkins performs songs like Strange Fruit and God Bless the Child. Calkins is known for her ability to evoke the musical genres and stage presence of Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith.

The DR. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration at Seattle Center recognizes the dream of the DR. Martin Luther King, Jr. to promote the principles of peace, unity and equality; provide opportunity for all citizens of Seattle to remember the dream and vision of MLK; and honor the citizens who are energizing the MLK dream in their communities.

The Celebration is presented by Seattle Center in partnership with the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative and Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas. For more information on this and other Seattle Center events and activities, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

Seattle Center draws you in. Its vibrant pulse brings together people of all ages and walks of life to create thousands of extraordinary experiences that enrich millions of lives each year. Entertainment options abound - starting with nearly 500 free and affordable public programming activities and over 5,000 shows and events annually. The 74-acre campus is home to more than 30 cultural, educational, sports and entertainment organizations. This treasured urban park exists to delight and inspire the human spirit in each person and bring together our rich and varied community. The 12 million visitors to Seattle Center each year generate $1.15 billion in business activity and $387 million in labor income for King County.

The Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, a community-based multi-agency strategy to address youth violence in the city of Seattle, was officially launched in July 2009. With an annual investment of nearly $4 million, the Initiative focuses on approximately 1,000 youth a year who are at the highest risk of perpetuating or being victimized by violence. SYVPI has set a new direction by identifying and helping young people who are at a vulnerable point in their lives and providing them with coordinated support and services. The Initiative is led by community-based organizations in three neighborhoods that work to mobilize the community and leverage resources to assist and support enrolled youth.