Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Arlington Pays Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Arlington celebration at Thomas Jefferson Auditorium Jan. 17
- Arlington gospel singers, jazz ensemble to perform
- Holiday Jan. 18 – County offices, schools closed
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Arlington County and Arlington Public Schools will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King this year with a program on January 17 that highlights not only Dr. King’s call to service but also his love of jazz and gospel music.
Doors open at Thomas Jefferson Auditorium at 6 p.m., with County government, nonprofits and volunteer clearinghouses offering information on volunteer and service opportunities across Arlington.
“Each of us can contribute to strengthening our community by serving in Dr. King’s honor on the King Holiday and throughout the year,” said County Board Chairman Jay Fisette. “By making service part of our daily lives, we can help realize Dr. King’s dream.”
Gospel choirs, jazz ensemble to perform
The entertainment program begins at 7 p.m. The award-winning Washington-Lee Jazz Big Band will perform, as will a combined choir featuring gospel singers from Arlington’s Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church, Macedonia Baptist Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church and St. John Baptist Church.
Mixed throughout the program will be readings from the winners of the 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay contest.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to express themselves and participate in the community,” said Superintendent Dr. Pat Murphy. “Arlington Public Schools encourages students to take part in community service activities because it helps develop assets in our young people and makes them feel like they are part of the community.”
For more information about volunteering, participating in a day of service or the County’s tribute program, visit the County website (search "Martin Luther King").
County's holiday schedule
Arlington County administrative offices, public libraries, courts, schools and nature centers will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2010, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Read more information.
Press contact: Susan Kalish, 703-228-3330
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
