This year we will march from Garfield High School to the Federal Building via Union St. & Madison St. We will march Monday- rain or snow. Lunch will be provided FREE following the march in Garfield's Commons area. We look foward to seeing you for Monday!
Do you want to have a table at the MLK celebration? The opportunity to have a table is on a FIRST come, FIRST served basis. You must bring your own chairs and table to have a table in the hallway at Garfield. Doors open at 8am. No charge for having a table.
Seattle has one of the largest annual Martin Luther King Day Celebrations in the U.S. We honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his work toward racial equality and economic justice for all people, for his commitment to nonviolence, and for his stand against war and militarism.
"The problem of racism, the problem of economic exploitation, and the problem of war are all tied together. These are the triple evils that are interrelated."
-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
History of the MLK Celebration Committee
The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee is composed of dozens of grassroots, labor, business, minority, and progressive community organizations and volunteers from throughout the Puget Sound region. Annually, these groups come together and organize our community's largest tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
History of the MLK Celebration Committee
The Martin Luther King Celebration Committee is composed of dozens of grassroots, labor, business, minority, and progressive community organizations and volunteers from throughout the Puget Sound region. Annually, these groups come together and organize our community's largest tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year marks our 29th year honoring Dr. King's legacy.
Membership on the Committee is open. Individuals become voting members at their second meeting of the year (see our Principles of Unity). The chair of the Committee is Larry Gossett. Mr. Gossett has been chair of the Committee for 14 years. The Committee has many longtime members who have been planning and participating in planning of the march for over 25 years. A few longtime members are Lacy Steele, Eddie Rye Jr., Oscar Esaon Jr.,and Bob Barnes. The Committee has many labor unions that support the annual march and rally. A few members who serve on the Committee who are also active in labor unions: Abdul-aleem Ahmed, Verlene Jones, Jacquie Jones-Walsh, and James Davis. We are proud to have a broad based coalition of members.
Every year the MLK Celebration Committee identifies a local issue facing citizens here in King County, the only geographic jurisdiction named in Dr. King's honor. Then we organize a campaign to draw attention to the issue. Each year, thousands of local citizens participate in one of the biggest and most racially diverse rallies and marches ever held in Seattle. Here are some of the themes from recent years:
2010: JUSTICE NOW! Healthcare, Housing, Jobs and Education!
2009: YES WE CAN: Change Begins Now!
2008: Let Freedom Ring: End Racism, Poverty and War!
2007: Solidarity for Peace, Human Rights, and Economic Justice!
2006: Racism, Poverty, War: Iraq, Katrina, No More!
2005: Speak Truth to Power: End Racial Disparity Now!
2004: March in MLK's Footsteps: Justice Begins at Home!
2003: MLK's Call to Conscience: Support the Poor, No More War!
The theme usually speaks to the need for justice in all facets of our society: locally, nationally, and globally. Through workshops, a rally, and a march organized around this theme, we will keep the spotlight on our responsibility to correct the injustices in our world, from our criminal justice system to our public schools, to senseless military misadventures that threaten human rights and rob our communities of funds. This year's program will inform and empower those who attend.
This is the 30th year the committee will bring together people from every community and walk of life to commemorate the life of Dr. King and celebrate his birthday. Sphere: Related Content
