The High Country Remembers Martin Luther King, Jr. with Week-Long ‘I Have a Dream’ Celebrations

by Madison V. Fisler 

Jan. 20, 2014. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is always held on the third Monday in January, timed to fall close to the late civil rights leader’s birthday.Martin Luther King, Jr. day this year falls on Monday, Jan. 20 and will be celebrated with numerous events and activities with the Unity Festival held all week starting Jan. 19 to celebrate his life and his dream.

imgresThe I Have a Dream Task Force was founded in 1998 to encourage individuals and groups in Watauga County to celebrate diversity and to build unity within our communities. The week of celebrations and events beginning on the national holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. serves to focus attention on all of our dreams for a strong, healthy community.

On Jan. 20 at 7 p.m., Mabel Methodist Church will host the 17th annual Musical Unity Service. Featured will be the Julaluska Gospel Choir of the Boone Mennonite Brethren Church. Desserts and fellowship to follow. For more information, call 828-297-3568.

On Jan. 20 at 7 p.m., the Ashe County Arts Center in West Jefferson  will host a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King and his teachings with readings, essays and a featured performance by NC actor Mike Wiley.

On Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., Appalachian State University will host the 30th annual Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Schaefer Center. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and guest speaker Soledad O’Brien will present “Diversity: On TV, Behind the Scenes and In Our Lives.”Admission to this event is completely free and open to the public. For more information, call 262-6158.

On Jan. 21 -25, The Watauga County Library o Queen Street will host the Multicultural Craft Project. The drop by craft projects will include “I Have a Dream” catchers inspired by Native American dreamcatchers. The event will be held Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call the library at 264-8784. 

On Jan. 22, The Baha’is of Watauga, Ashe and Avery will host a candlelight vigil for prisoners of conscience worldwide at 297 Cherry Drive in Boone at 6:30 p.m. For more information and directions to the vigil, call 264-2297. 

On Jan. 26 at 11 a.m., the High Country United Church in Vilas will host “Seeking Unity in Our Colliding Worlds.” The MLK inspired service will be held by Reverend Nancy Sehested. 

On Jan. 26 at 3 p.m., a Musical Feast will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Councill Street in Boone. A chamber music concert celebrating cultural diversity with music from England to India. Admission is $10, $5 for students with proper ID. Children under 12 are admitted free. For more information or for reservations, please call Akal Dev Sharonne at 828-264-1384.