
Alex-Zan’s Dr. M.L. King Community Celebration: “Continuing His Dream & Works”
Monday, Jan. 20, 1-3pm, Carver Recreation Center
The 12th Annual celebration is coordinated by author, award winner and education trailblazer Mr. Alex-Zan (aka Charles Alexander). Highlights will include the presentation of the 10th Annual Alicia B. Lugo Award – Apostle Sarah Kelly; Guest Speaker – Brother Eddie Howard of Abundant Life Ministries. Vocalists Jamori Harris and Precious A. Bland, and Spoken Word/Psalmist Nikya Green will present. Alex-Zan’s Lifesavers will be there: Janet Martin, George Rivera, Tristan Kabesa, Martize Tolbert, and others. Mistress of Ceremonies will be Amaya Mitchell of NBC- 29.
Race, Gender, and the 2024 Electorate
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 11:00am-12:15pm, The Miller Center (also online)
In this post-election analysis, panelists will discuss the complex interplay of race, gender, and age demographics as they affected the election outcome. Participants will also consider obstacles to achieving a level playing field for everyone’s voting rights. Speakers: Andra Gillespie, Bertrall Ross, Kevin K. Gaines (moderator). For more info and registration click here.
MLK Jr. Day Community Celebration
Sunday, Jan. 26, 4pm, Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church
All are welcome to attend the 40th Anniversary of the MLK Jr. Day Community Celebration! Former Richmond Mayor (2016-2024) Levar Stoney will be the keynote speaker and highlight the theme “Legacy: Honoring the Past and Trailblazing the Future!” This celebration will reflect on past MLK Charlottesville Community Award recipients as well as highlight young community trailblazers. Enjoy the rousing singing of the community choir, as well as the addition of a new children’s choir. The gathering will begin at 4pm with a “prelude” of musical offerings from community members, followed by the main program at 5pm. Download and share this flyer if you’d like to help promote this event.
2025 Community MLK Celebration Keynote Address
Thursday, Jan. 30, 6pm, Paramount Theater
Michele Norris, award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most recognized voices in radio, will deliver the 2025 Community MLK Celebration keynote address, followed by an on-stage discussion with Melody Barnes, Executive Director of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy. The event is presented by the UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in partnership with UVA’s School of Data Science and Karsh Institute of Democracy. Michele Norris will engage the audience in candid discussion about current events, social issues, and bridging the divide in America. This event is free and open to the public. More info and tickets are available via the Paramount Theater website.