Civil rights celebration

Before 2003, the Valley didn't have a single organized event in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Last year, for the first time, an event was held, and an overwhelming number of people turned out to honor King. This year, the second Martin Luther King Jr. Community Observance promises to be even bigger than the inaugural event last year, much to the delight of organizers.

"It only took a spark and an initiative to get things started here last year," said organizer Kim-Marie Walker.

On Jan. 19, the event is taking place at Teeland Middle School. Last year, more than 200 people showed up to honor the civil rights leaders' legacy -- the capacity crowd at Machetanz Theatre, where the event was held. This year, organizers are expecting even more.

"Last year, we didn't have any expectations, and we ended up with a standing room-only crowd of more than 200," said Walker. "This year, we'll be set up for 350 and if we get those chairs filled, we'll drag out some more."

This year's event lineup is as diverse as Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was. The theme "Remember the past, celebrate community, act for the future" will be represented by the wide variety of speakers and performers. The guest speakers are Julie Kitka, president of the Alaska Federation of Natives; Gavin Reed, vice-chair of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Alaska; and Pamela Washington, an Anchorage attorney. Other honored guest speakers are Lt. Gov. Loren Leman, Borough Mayor Tim Anderson, Palmer Mayor Jim Cooper and Wasilla Mayor Diane Keller.

"We have a lot more state representation this year," Walker said. "And the speakers are so diverse and dynamic."

Local community elders Mahala Dickerson and Mary Lou Banks will also be at the ceremony, talking about the civil rights era. Banks knew King personally. Walker said Dickerson and Banks will be taking questions from students as part of the presentation.

Alveta Mitchell, a local music instructor, is the event's featured singer.

Walker said she is particularly excited about the scheduled performance by the Anchorage Baha'i Youth Workshop, a collection of teens who perform interpretive dances.

"I saw them do a dance called Racism Dance and I was moved to tears," Walker said. "It was so inspiring. They're profound performers."

The event is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and this year, there will be a reception immediately following.

"Last year, people said they loved the event, but they missed mingling and talking about it, so we added the reception," Walker said.

Also new this year is a canned food drive at the event, sponsored by the Knik Tribal Council. Canned items can be donated to Knik Tribal Council at the event.

Knik Tribal Council serves more than 300 families.

While the event honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., it is also a celebration of diversity in the Mat-Su Borough, organizers said.

Volunteers organize the event, and this year, a grant from the Valley Healthy Communities is helping make the event bigger than last year.