Children's Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Central Brooklyn Martin Luther King Commission)

Martin Luther King Children’s Celebration Promotes New Education Unity Surge

Brooklyn, N.Y. – New York City’s outstanding children’s celebration of Martin Luther King’s birthday (January 17, 2011) will again be held at the Prospect Heights High School Campus located on Classon Avenue at Union Street.  Sponsored by the Central Brooklyn Martin Luther King Commission the program will feature presentations by the winners of poetry, essay, art and oratorical contests. Nearly four thousand dollars in prizes will be awarded to the students.

“Every participant wins on this great day,” explains MLK President Lorrelle Henry. “We’ll distribute special Martin Luther King T-Shirts as well as educational toys, devices and books. The doors will open at 12:30 and our program will begin with an opening procession led by the Ifetayo African drummers at 1:00PM.

Congressman Major Owens will serve as the Master of Ceremonies and also provide an update report on the present New York education situation. The Congressman will discuss a 2011 Action Plan to follow-up on the unity compact approved by 250 community leaders at the October 2, 2010 luncheon sponsored by the Commission. Renewing its dedication to profound and widespread reform an enthusiastic forward surge was initiated.

The Commission is presently circulating an outline plan for maximizing parent participation but also opening the door for partnering with the private education industry. A “contracted” district with twenty or more schools is proposed with an “Education Park” to buttress school improvement initiatives.

“Our January 17th celebration has two important purposes, “proclaims Congressman Owens. “Among the children we want to stimulate a more joyful awareness of the greatness of Martin Luther King. For adults we want to fervently remind them that the struggle must continue. We must all remember that education is the kingpin for all Civil Rights. We shall overcome!”

(Take the 2 or 3 train to the Brooklyn Museum station and walk east on Eastern Parkway to Washington Avenue.  Turn right and cross the park to Prospect Heights High School.)