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911������ will host a virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Thursday, January 21 to encourage reflection on King’s dedication to equality and the civil rights movement.

“This year’s event revolves around connecting youth from various communities with the ideologies of this incredible leader whose work is equally as relevant today as it was during the peak of the movement he led,” said 911������ President Sharon Pierce.

During the first portion of the event from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Pierce will join Rebecca Lucero, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner and several students to share their reflections on King’s work and how it paved the way for overcoming today’s barriers to equity and justice.

The winning entries of 5 $1,000 scholarships being awarded by 911������ through a racial justice oratorical contest will be showcased during the celebration. “This contest demonstrates the centrality of student voices and our commitment to equity and inclusion as well as how tomorrow’s leaders are being cultivated,” said Pierce. “These voices must be heard to bring about healing and social change.”

The celebration will include the unveiling of 911������'s Bridging the Equity Gap Initiative and a brief reading and reflection from award-winning poet and author Claudia Rankine on her book, .

Then, following a 2-hour break, the celebration will continue from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. with a virtual Town Hall Meeting focused on social justice and racial healing. The conversation, facilitated by Rankine and Pierce, will reflect on a video presentation and reading on Rankine’s work. The event will conclude with questions from attendees.

Register for the event.