The Connection

The Reston Community Center presents the 28th Annual Reston Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on Jan. 19 and 20, 2013. The celebration kicks off with a day of community service, in which RCC invites the general public to honor Dr. King’s legacy by participating in volunteer projects. As Dr. King once said, “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve.” RCC is proud to partner with several community organizations including Southgate Community Center, Reston Association, Reston Interfaith and The Closet. Projects will be held indoors and outdoors (weather-permitting) throughout Reston and are open to adults and children. After a morning of service, volunteers will be treated to lunch. The day concludes with a free concert by the Reston Community Orchestra, with special guest Beverly Cosham. The musical tribute will feature compositions by Reston resident Brian Scarbrough. The concert begins at 4 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods.

On Sunday, Jan. 20, RCC proudly welcomes former NAACP Chairman and a Founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordination Committee Julian Bond as the keynote speaker. Beginning with his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, Bond has been at the forefront of social change since 1960. He continues to deliver a powerful message of greater equality, freedom and justice with a renewed sense of relevance to the Civil Rights Movement in our present times. The keynote address begins at 1 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods and will include a community lunch. During the keynote address, school-age children are invited to participate in lunch and a series of activities inspired by Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Space is limited. Advance registration is required to attend the keynote address and community lunch; children must also be registered in the youth activities.

The celebration continues with the Commemorative March at Lake Anne Plaza. Walkers are invited to assemble at 3:15 p.m. at Lake Anne Plaza, before continuing on to the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation. Several Reston faith communities will present the “Voices of Inspiration” program there at 4 p.m. A shuttle bus will run between Lake Anne Plaza and Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation from 2:30 p.m. until after the Voices of Inspiration program concludes.

In addition, the artwork of Reston school-age children is currently on display at RCC Hunters Woods as part of the exhibit "Are We Keeping the Promise?” The artwork is inspired by Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement and will be on display through Jan. 31.

All events are free and open to the public, though registration may be required. Attendance at these events is limited to registered participants only. A schedule of events (including registration information) can be found at www.restoncommunitycenter.com/mlk-schedule.shtml.