Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and although it means a day off work for most people, it can also be a day for learning or service.
The federal holiday celebrates the birthday of King was officially signed into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983 and first observed in 1986. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
Last week President Barack Obama announced he would be participating in a volunteer service project in honor of King and urged other Americans to do so. You don't have to look far to find a local opportunity for learning or service.
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Here are some Westchester events in King's Honor:
Purchase
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The Westchester Martin Luther King Jr Institute for Nonviolence will present the Violence Building Conference in the Reid Castle at Manhattanville College at 2900 Purchase St on Saturday February 6. About 200 adults and youths ages 11 to 18 are expected to attend. For information call (914) 949-6555.
"It's a youth leadership event and we give them a unique chance to learn about King, the civil rights movement and what it means to them," said Julie Carran, co-chair of the Westchester Martin Luther King Jr. Institute for Non-Violence. "It shows them how they can be active in the community."
Mount Kisco
The Mount Kisco Public Library will be having a discussion of the "I Have a Dream" speech for children ages 8 to 12 and their parents at The Mount Kisco Public Library at 100 East Main Street at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Registration is required and can be done either in person or the phone.For more info call Deidre Johnson, head of Youth Services at 914-864-0130.
"This event brings families together," Johnson said. "It is important for kids to know that even though they are young, they can make a difference. We are letting them know the dream is still alive."
Pleasantville
Pace University will be having the 10th Annual Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Commeration Breakfast called "Generation" in which social issues of this generation will be discussed on the Pleasantville Campus from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on Friday, January 29. The campus is located at 861 Bedford Rd. The discussion will include keynote speaker Pedro Noguera, PH.D Professor in the Steinhardt School of Culture Education and Human Development and a music performance by P.I.PE. RSVP with Cornell Craig at ccraig@pace.edu or 914-773-3775.
Tarrytown
The Westchester Library System (WLS) will hold its 12th annual African American Writers & Readers Literary Tea on Monday January 18 at Abigail Kirsch's Tappan Hill at 81 Highland Ave from 3:30 pm. to 6 pm. It will include novelist and poet Pearl Cleage. Tickets for the 2010 Literary Tea are $75 for general admission. This year's Honorary Chair is Westchester County Legislator Kenneth W. Jenkins. A raffle, with proceeds benefiting African American programs at WLS's 38 member libraries, will also be held.
Westchester
As part of Martin Luther King Buildathon Week Habitat for Humanity of Westchester will target Haiti Habitat as the recipient of their tithe donations. For more info call 1888-9-HABITAT.
White Plains
The Westchester Jewish Council will have their J-Teen Martin Luther King Day Project at the Westchester Jewish Council at 701 Westchester Ave, Suite 203E at 1pm. The project is to be determined. For more info call Tracey Bilski at 914-588-2230.
Celebrate the 81st birthday of African-American Civil Rights Leader Martin Luther King Jr. Listen to the story, "A Taste of Colored Water" by Matt Faulkner at White Plains Public Library at 100 Martine Ave at 4:30pm. Join in some fun activities, including craft and snack, all honoring this hero and his dream for peace. For children in grades 1 to 6. Additional Information: To make sure everyone is safe and comfortable, tickets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis 30 minutes before the start of the program. Arrive early. For more info call Rosemary Rasmussen 914-422-1476.
Yonkers
The Terrace City Lodge will be having its annual Martin Luther King Day Jr. Dinner for the needy on Monday January 18 at 95 North Broadway at 3pm. Donations of clothes are shoes are being accpeted to distribute at the dinner. For more info call 914-969-3663.
