Archived News Release from 2005

For Immediate Release

Redwood City’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Featuring “The Long Walk to Freedom 1900 - Now: Portraits of Civil Rights Activists” Exhibit

Redwood City, CA - January 7, 2005 - For nearly two decades, Redwood City’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee has organized a community event in honor of Dr. King’s struggle for justice and peace, in order to bring his ideals to life in today’s society. This year’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration will again honor Dr. King’s memory and celebrate the legacy of his great efforts for civil rights.

The celebration commences at 1 pm on Saturday, January 15th at the Redwood City Public Library, 1044 Middlefield Road with the Peninsula debut of an extraordinary exhibit, “The Long Walk to Freedom 1900 - Now: Portraits of Civil Rights Activists.” This is a museum-quality public art and education project which includes a chronological history of the struggle for equal rights and justice among African Americans and minorities in the United States.

The exhibit also offers a series of personal stories from 26 civil rights activists who changed the face of our nation. Featuring historical and contemporary photographic portraits, archival materials, rare historical photos, a graphic timeline, student writing, and video, this display will be in place at the Library from January 15th through March 31st.

Following the exhibit’s unveiling, featuring a welcome by Redwood City Councilmember Diane Howard, families can enjoy a variety of activities including children’s storytelling, thematic arts and crafts, and other kids’ activities, musical performances, a dramatic reading of the words of Dr. King, poetry reading by Kalamu Chache, and other special presentations.

The purpose of Redwood City’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is to help bring Dr. King’s important messages to a new generation, to carry forward his legacy of seeking equality among all people, to bridge cultural differences, and to celebrate the bountiful diversity of our community.

This Redwood City event is co-sponsored by the City of Redwood City, Redwood City Friends of the Library, and the Redwood City Civic Cultural Commission.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and City government.

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Contacts:
Teri Chin, Human Services Manager
(650) 780-7510

Celia LaRiviere, Redwood City Library
(650) 780-7045