Event set Jan. 15 to honor MLK

The Alleghany County Public Library will host a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m.

The event is being spearheaded by Leslie Choate, who has organized the events annually since Alleghany County adopted MLK Day as an official holiday, she said in a recent interview. Choate said that the event is open to the public and that everyone is encouraged to attend.

"Martin Luther King fought for the equal rights of all people, not just African-Americans," Choate said. "His ministry and the freedoms we all enjoy today are reason enough to celebrate together."

Choate said the program will feature segments of some of King's most famous speeches and reflections on the march on Washington by Jim Keighton. Keighton, now an Alleghany resident, was at the march on April 28, 1963.

Light refreshments will be served during the evening.

"We're looking into trying to put together a video presentation of some historic footage for the event as well," said Choate.

Past events have featured various speakers, historical displays and refreshments and have been held at several locations around the county. "We wanted to try something different this year," Choate said. For information, call Choate at 657-8424 or the Alleghany Library at 372-5573.

 

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