January 16, 2019
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, (202) 277-9417
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission will present the annual celebration of the life and legacy of civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019 at Howard High School, 8700 Old Annapolis Road in Ellicott City. The reception will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the program will begin at 3:00 p.m. The celebration is free to the public.
“I am always proud to remember this man of peace, inclusion and courage. This year is special because I recognize just how much Dr. King’s work opened doors for me and others,” said Ball. “Following his model, I will use my opportunity and my voice as county executive to bring unity and tolerance to our communities.”
The program features performances by diverse cultural groups and will recognize the 2018 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” award recipients and Student Essay Contest winners.
The Living the Dream Award honors an individual and an organization who exemplify the work and legacy of Dr. King. This year’s honorees are Sandra Trice Gray and Asbury United Methodist Church for their devotion to the community.
For the Student Essay Contest, middle and high school students were asked to write an essay in response to Dr. King’s words, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Middle school student winners are:
1st Place – Nehemiah Lewis, 6th grade, Harpers Choice Middle School;
2nd Place – Teniola Taiwo, 6th grade, Murray Hill Middle School;
3rd Place – Reema Ayache, 6th grade, Clarksville Middle School.
High school student winners are:
1st Place – Allison Alston, 11th grade, Reservoir High School;
2nd Place – Chimmuanya Iheanyi-Igwe, 12th grade, Howard High School;
3rd Place – Amen Owusu, 10th grade, Wild Lake High School.
Residents also are encouraged to participate in the County’s “Day of Service Across Howard County” Project on Monday, Jan. 21. Volunteer opportunities include: Hands-Only CPR, Fraud prevention training, coupon clipping for veterans, crafts for seniors, and assisting Glen Mar Church. Those interested in volunteering on the 21st, should visit www.volunteerhoward.org/hocomlkserve to sign-up or to learn more about “Day of Service Across Howard County” opportunities. All volunteers are invited to attend a kick-off celebration that morning at 8:00 a.m. at the Community Resources Campus, 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD 21046.
In addition to the kick-off celebration, County Executive Ball will be making the following visits during the County's "Day of Service":
9AM The I Can I Will Workshop, Hopeworks
9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 338 Columbia, MD 21046
9:45AM Howard County Food Bank, L. Earl and Mary T. Armiger Nutrition Center
9385 Gerwig Lane, Suite J Columbia, MD 21046
10:30 AM NPHC Unity Food Drive, Giant Food Store
6020 Marshalee Dr Elkridge, MD 21075
11:15AM First Build Day Sleep in a Heavenly Peace
6270 Hanover Rd. Hanover, MD 21076
12:30PM Grassroots
6700 Freetown Road, 21044
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission was established to encourage and coordinate activities and ceremonies throughout Howard County to honor the birthday, ideals and legacy of Dr. King. In addition, the Commission aids local government and private organizations with respect to the observance of the holiday honoring the late Dr. King.
In case of inclement weather, call Farheen Sheik at (240) 581-1513 for an event update. For more information about the event, contact Farheen Sheik with the Office of Human Rights at 410-313-6467 or email [email protected].