January 11, 2023

County Will Honor Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Free Celebration at Strathmore on Monday, Jan. 16


Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee will host, “We Are Martin,” a tribute honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a free celebration event at 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Music Center at Strathmore.

The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. There is no charge for the event, but tickets are required for entrance. For more information concerning tickets, visit the Strathmore website or the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights website. Parking will be free in the adjacent parking garage.

“We Are Martin” will highlight the many positive attributes of Dr. King. The program will focus on his determination, devotion, courage, compassion and perseverance—and how everyday people who possess the same attributes can have a positive impact in the community.

“MLK Day is not a ‘day off,’ but a ‘day on’ to volunteer, participate in community service, take action and dedicate yourself to bettering your community—just as Dr. King did,” said County Executive Elrich. “I was fortunate enough as a teenager to attend the 1963 March on Washington and listen to Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech in person. I didn’t realize at the time how significant that speech would be, but it certainly affected how I was thinking that day and I was aware that the thoughts he conveyed were important for how we look at America going forward. I am proud of the way so many in Montgomery County have embraced his ideals, commitment, compassion and commitment to justice. Please join us in celebrating Dr. King’s legacy next week.”

The event will include performances by Indigo Creative Works, LLC presents Temika Moore featuring Lorree K. Slye, Burl Binion and Duane Moody. Ms. Moore is a nationally known inspirational soul performing and recording artist who weaves together strains of folk, jazz, soul, R & B and gospel.

Also performing will be the Jeremy Winston Chorale. Since 2012, the Chorale has been celebrated as one of the nation’s leading ensembles. It was a winner at the World Choir Games, has performed for the Obamas at The White House and has headlined the Prague Proms Festival in the Czech Republic.

The program also will include a special dance performance by the Akhmedova Ballet Academy and performances by the 150-member M. Sparks Matsunaga Children’s Choir and the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Achievement Program.

Adding to the celebration, the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights and the Volunteer Center are partnering with Interfaith Works in a special Day of Service with the theme of “Fill A Truck Initiative.” Organizers are asking community members and those who attend the commemorative program to bring for donation toiletry items for the County’s homeless shelters. Suggested items for donation include portable shower caddies (for carrying items), bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, lotion, Chapstick, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, new wash cloths and towels.