Kelly Strayhorn Theater
January 16
12—4 p.m.
Working to empower individuals and strengthen communities is as critical as ever, especially as the city wprepares to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s 8th annual East Liberty Celebrates MLK event will provide an inspiring cultural and community hub where residents of all ages can explore the importance of unity, conversation, and action.
This year, East Liberty Celebrates MLK will present events at both the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Northway Christian Community Church.
With the theme, “Together, We Build Community,” the event’s expanded lineup features programs led by 10 local organizations and four arts groups, including MLK-themed activity tables, live performances and engaging conversations taking place throughout the afternoon.
Participate in hands-on activities led by Assemble, BOOM Concepts, New Voices Pittsburgh, Reading is FUNdamental, Repair the World, Union Project, and many others.
Join the larger conversation by sharing your own neighborhood hopes, plans or commitments for 2017 via text or video messages posted to the event’s hashtag wall using #KSTCommunityChallenge.
Head into the event’s intimate MLK Listening Party area to discuss and reflect on Dr. King’s speeches with other Pittsburgh residents in the context of “some of today’s most strained societal relationships.”
Emceed by Pittsburgh-based artist Darrell Kinsel, the event will also feature rousing performances by 1Hood Media, the Alumni Theater Company, Hope Academy, and the Trevor C. Dance Collective.
Another important goal of the annual celebration is to showcase the innovative and impactful work being done throughout the vibrant East Liberty neighborhood, and to provide a welcoming forum for people tto build on the work of Dr. King.
Admission to East Liberty Celebrates MLK is “Pay-What-Makes-You-Happy.”
Looking for more Martin Luther King Jr. Day events? Read more here and check out one of these local events:
* Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Bash at the Mattress Factory museum on January 16 from 12 to 4 p.m. Attendees will make self-portraits, clay birds and magnets, read with artist Sydelle Pearl, create a birthday crown, dance to music, enjoy party snacks, make a magnet and more. Free for all ages.
* The Transition State of America: the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at the Union Project.
* Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and SLB Radio Productions on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Step up to the mic to read the inspiring and powerful words of Dr. King, create your own ‘zine inspired by civil rights leaders in Pittsburgh, listen to SLB Radio’s Streaming Justice live broadcast led by local youth, and much more.
Looking for more events? Check out our Top 10 Pittsburgh events not to miss in January, Top 9 family events in Pittsburgh this January and our 17 can’t-miss Pittsburgh concerts in 2017 feature stories.
