LYNN — The Community Minority Cultural Center is hosting its 36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration virtually on Monday, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m.
This event is usually held in person and is a fundraiser for the center, but was forced to be held virtually last year, and again this year, because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The center hosts this event each year on Martin Luther King Day to honor the civil-rights activist and his legacy.
All of the past celebrations have included a keynote speaker, but this year’s will look a little different.
During this year’s program, six to eight community members ― comprising local leaders and officials and others residents ― will share their perspective and thoughts on Dr. King’s legacy in a two-to-three-minute prerecorded video.
The rest of the event will be a return to its annual program, including musical performances by three local singers and acknowledgements of donors to the center.
“It’s difficult doing it virtually, but we have done it before so we know we can,” said the center’s Executive Director Darrell Murkison. “We’re glad we can do something, even though we can’t meet in person.”
In addition to the scheduled programming, Murkison said the center is accepting donations, as it has been struggling since the pandemic restricted in-person fundraising events.
“This has been a challenging time for CMCC, our community, and their families. As you all know, many people are suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the center said in a statement. ” We, too, are feeling the brutal effects of this awful pandemic. It has all but crippled our ability to fundraise and function.”
The center is offering virtual advertising during the event, and is selling virtual tickets for $25 which, if purchased, will have the donors name across the bottom of the screen during the program.
The program is free to view and will be live streamed on the center’s Facebook page.
To RSVP to this event or learn more about advertising and donating, call 781-228-0781 or email [email protected].
