Akua Allrich will perform at the Reston Community Center’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Photo courtesy of Reston Community Center
With extra health and safety vigilance in response to COVID-19, there will be three days of virtual and live events to celebrate the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The events aim to highlight Dr. King’s dreams and actions to bring forth a society free of prejudice and racial divisions.
“The Reston Community Center (RCC) has responded to the challenges of COVID-19 with a modified weekend of activities that reflect our ongoing commitment to racial and social justice. We will continue with service projects to support families who are most impacted by the pandemic,” said Leila Gordon, Executive Director, RCC.
“As we do every year, we will use the arts as a vehicle to remind us of the power of Dr. King’s vision,” added Gordon. “The concert with Akua Allrich and the Tribe will channel the beliefs, emotions and calls to action of the civil rights movement.”
For those less familiar with Allrich, she is a jazz vocalist and Washington, DC, native noted for her extraordinary talent and passion. Her musical roots have a clear grounding in jazz and pan-African music. She sings in many languages including Portuguese, French, Spanish, English, Xhosa, and Twi.
“Our community – indeed our country – can’t truly rise to the height of a ‘beloved community’ unless and until the scourges of racism and poverty are defeated. Until then, we move onward in the struggle and try daily to keep the promise of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and all others who have given everything to make us all free at last,” said Gordon.
Where and When
Reston Community Center’s 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18, 2021. COVID-19 health and safety precautions can be located at www.restoncommunitycenter.com
Events include:
- Akua Allrich and The Tribe: A Nina Simone and Miriam Makeba Tribute at CenterStage, Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road. Reston, Sunday, Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15. Non-Reston Ticket Price: $30. Visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-390-6167.
- Community Service Projects on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 and Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. The 2021 Community Service Projects will be a series of smaller projects for those 6 years and older. In an abundance of health and safety precautions there will be fewer volunteers at each project. For community service project information, go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com. To volunteer, contact Ha Brock, Reston Association Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator, at 703-435-7986 or habrock@reston.org.
- Reston Community Orchestra “Keeping the Dream” virtual performance. The 15th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr will celebrate the life and work of Dr. King on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at 2 p.m. The virtual performance will be on the Reston Community Center YouTube Channel. RCC YouTube Channel. For information, go to www.restoncommunitycenter.com