2018 day of celebration to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mayor Martin J. Walsh, in partnership with the Museum of African American History, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras and Boston University, will present "A Day of Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," on Monday, January 15, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Metcalf Hall on the second floor of George Sherman Union at Boston University located at 775 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston.

This event celebrates Dr. King: the man, the minister and the humanitarian. Outstanding performances of classical music, spirituals and freedom songs by young Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras musicians complement readings of Dr. King's words by several distinguished community leaders. The event culminates with a keynote address by The Honorable Leslie E. Harris, former associate justice for the Suffolk Juvenile Court.

"The City of Boston has the great privilege of working with the Museum of African American History and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras for its Day of Celebration in Honor of Dr. King," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud to continue this partnership that allows us to celebrate with purpose and reflection. With this day set aside to formally recognize Dr. King's enormous impact and legacy, I encourage us all reflect, and take action -- let's continue to live out the spirit of Dr. King's words, and work to achieve his dreams in all our communities."

"We are very pleased to provide the setting for this community celebration," said Boston University President Robert A. Brown. "Dr. King is Boston University's most famous alumnus; we have the honor of being the custodian of many of his papers. It is vitally important that we celebrate his teaching and his personal example of courage and leadership toward building inclusiveness in America."

"This year's program offers a moment of service, celebration and inspiration," said Marita Rivero, Executive Director at the Museum of African American History. "It is an honor to join with the City of Boston in celebrating this adopted son who was educated here, met his wife here, and spoke here as a civil rights leader. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is among Boston's great leaders, a champion of humanity."

"Dr. King cherished the values of community, justice and equality," said Catherine Weiskel, Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras (BYSO)'s Executive Director. "We at the BYSO also foster these ideals and are honored to celebrate Dr. King's legacy through sharing exceptional music-making with the City of Boston on this special day. "

As part of Boston's effort to recognize the significance of Dr. King's legacy, the City in partnership with MLK Boston released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in December, calling for an artist to create a memorial dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr., and Coretta Scott King. The deadline to respond to the RFQ is Wednesday, February 28.

For further information please visit boston.gov/tourism and boston.gov/visiting-boston, or follow the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment on social media @VisitBostonCity.