Location: Streamed online through YouTube at https://youtu.be/7q7QdR5DSDI

Annual MLK Day Virtual Rally to Honor Peace and Social Justice Legacy of Civil Rights Leader

This year’s 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration comes at a time of the worst public health crisis in more than a century.

At present we are facing the threat of yet another economic downturn.

Concurrently, there are rising tensions between the United States and other countries around the world including China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela, Cuba, Zimbabwe, among others. A U.S.-led war anywhere in the world would prove catastrophic to the majority of people inside the country and internationally.

In honor of the peace and social justice legacy of Dr. King we are calling on all conscious people in southeastern Michigan and beyond to join this virtual event. Dr. King during the last year of his life was a staunch opponent of the Vietnam War. King linked the rising rates of impoverishment with the failure of the ruling interests to end imperialist military adventures and occupations. He drew the connections that made him a target for the ruling class of his day. We owe it to his legacy to continue this work into the 21st century.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are holding the entire program virtually. The event will be streamed utilizing Facebook, Zoom and YouTube.

Although we are not gathering in-person, the online character of the event provides the opportunity to invite guests from around the U.S. and the world.

We have already confirmed the participation of Jesus Rodriguez Espinoza, the editor of Orinoco Tribune, based in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Other special guests include a family member of police brutality survivor Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Clarence Thomas, a retired member of the ILWU Local 10 has also agreed to speak. Others included in the program are representatives of Detroit Will Breathe, who will be honored at the event for their pioneering work. Aurora Harris, renowned poet, educator and community organizer will once again coordinate the cultural presentations along with musician Sarah Torres of Moratorium NOW! Coalition. More details of the program will be forthcoming.

The Detroit MLK Day Committee is once again requesting your participation and support to continue this tradition which mobilizes the largest social justice gathering in the whole of southeastern Michigan.

On Monday, January 18, 2021, the Detroit MLK Day Program will commemorate the 92st birthday of Dr. King. You are cordially invited to attend this 18th Annual Detroit MLK Day event.

The Detroit MLK Day Committee is staffed by a small, dedicated group of volunteers.

Thank you for your kind support! (You may download event leaflets at www.mlkdetroit.org.)

Sincerely in Peace and Solidarity,
The Detroit MLK Day Committee