This year, the Presidential Inauguration and the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will overlap throughout the nation.
Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and Canton Township have recognized this unique overlap and several events to honor Dr. King’s legacy will provide an opportunity for civic engagement and family education, according to a prepared statement.
School and township leaders suggested activities to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. including applying for a scholarship. Seniors attending Plymouth Canton Community Schools high schools are encouraged to apply for the MLK Essay Scholarship. All entries are due by Jan. 24 and the winner will be awarded a college scholarship sponsored by College Tutors of Canton. The winning writer will have the opportunity to present their essay in front of Canton Township and district officials. More information and the essay prompt can be received from students’ school counselors.
The Heritage Park Story Trail will feature “When Martin Luther King Jr. Wore Roller Skates” by Mark Weakland all month long in January. This family-friendly story trail is in Heritage Park, located behind the Canton Administration Building, 1150 S. Canton Center Road.
For those who may want to attend a traditional march, the Plymouth-Canton Interfaith Council will be hosting its annual MLK March on Jan. 20 at the Canton Public Library, located at 1200 S. Canton Center Road in Canton.
The day is also an opportunity to donate food or clothing to a local organization in celebration of Dr. King’s legacy, officials suggested. “Dr. King showed us shows us that when everyone works together and supports one another, we can make a better world for future generations,” the prepared released noted.
Information at local libraries and internet searches can provide a wealth of resources to use to learn about the past and can be a great tool to help put things in perspective, the statement continued.
Officials also suggested watching the famous “I Have a Dream” Speech and experience the iconic words of Dr. King that were delivered 63 years ago online to remember the man who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his dedication to civil rights and social justice.
For additional information on how to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on MLK Day, visit www.cantonfun.org.
