February 16, 2022

County to Honor Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement with Free Event at Strathmore on Friday, Feb. 18


Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee on Friday, Feb. 18, will host a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and heroes of the Civil Rights movement during Black History Month. “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things for the Fight for Freedom” will be a free event starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda.

Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. It is accessible by the Metro Red Line.

The County’s annual in-person event to honor Dr. King was originally planned for January, but was postponed due to the increased spread of COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

“Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things for the Fight for Freedom” will highlight the lives of celebrities and everyday people who supported Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. The event will address how the nation’s most celebrated superstars put their careers and lives on the line to fight for freedom and justice for all. It also will feature local civil rights participants who made significant contributions to the fight for justice.

The event will include musical performances and reenactments of celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Joan Baez, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone and more.

Montgomery County Public Schools students were given the opportunity to submit a poem or song written with an understanding and appreciation of the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Three winners have been chosen and will perform their submissions at the event. 

For more information, visit the Strathmore website or the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights website.