A number of communities in this area have scheduled public events to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day. They include:
ARLINGTON
WHAT: In its 20th year observing King's birthday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance Committee of Arlington has changed the format from a sit-down potluck to a standing tapas-style meal and, for the first time, it will be in Arlington's Town Hall.
WHO: The Rev. Imani-Sheila Newsome-Camara and Kantigi Kwabena Camara will speak about the life of King. Newsome-Camara directs the Boston University School of Theology's Project for African American Religious Research and Education and serves as an associate minister at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Cambridge. Camara directs the library at the John D. O'Bryant African-American Institute at Northeastern University. The Teen Challenge Men's Choir will also perform.
WHEN: Monday; tapas begin at 6 p.m., followed by program at 7:30.
WHERE: Robbins Memorial Town Hall, 730 Massachusetts Ave.
COST: Bring finger food or dessert to serve six. Donations will be accepted for the Martin Luther King Memorial in Washington, D.C., the African American Society Scholarships, and Arlington public schools. Those who would like to make a donation by mail can send checks to the Martin Luther King Committee at PO Box 320, Arlington, MA 02476.
BELMONT
WHAT: Belmont's 14th annual breakfast celebration of King's birthday features music, a step show, and a keynote speaker.
WHO: Author Kim McLarin, a former
WHEN: Monday, 8:45 a.m.
WHERE: Belmont High School cafeteria, 221 Concord Ave. Youth Services will provide gym activities for children ages 5 to 11, and the Belmontian Club of Belmont High will assist with children younger than 5. The event is handicap-accessible and will have sign language interpreters.
RSVP: Organizers request advance registration to determine food and child-care requirements: Sign up at belmontagainstracism.org or contact june.roberts@verizon.net, 617-489-0478, or ddabney@verizon.net, and 617-265-1918.
COST: $5 per person, $10 per family at the door. Proceeds support the After School Transportation Fund for Belmont Metco students who participate in after-school academic, sports, or enrichment activities. (See story at left). To mail a donation, send a check to Belmont Against Racism, PO Box 649, Belmont, MA 02478. Put "Transportation" on the memo line.
LEXINGTON
WHAT: The 15th annual Lexington CommUNITY Commemoration Honoring the Legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. features a unity walk, followed by music, dance, and community presentations on the theme "Life's Most Persistent and Urgent Question is: What are you doing for others?"
WHEN: Sunday, 2 p.m.
WHERE: Lexington Battle Green with a unity walk to Cary Memorial Hall, 1605 Massachusetts Ave.
COST: Free
WINCHESTER
WHAT: Winchester Multicultural Network's annual family celebration of King's birthday features performances and activities for children.
WHO: Valerie Stephens, a native Bostonian, storyteller, and vocalist for more than 30 years, will perform.
WHEN: Monday, 3 to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Metcalf Hall at the Unitarian Church, 478 Main St., along corner of Mystic Valley Parkway.
COST: Free.
DETAILS: Call the Winchester Multicultural Network at 781-729-7100 or e-mail office@ wmcn.org.
