In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., known for his nonviolent approach and contributions to the American civil rights movement, the city of Toledo and its partners announced details of the upcoming 2024 MLK Experience and Unity Day Celebration.
The theme is “I AM the Dream.”
“This is the 23rd annual MLK Unity Day celebration,” Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said during a Thursday news conference at One Government Center.
“I like that theme because it confers on each one of us both an opportunity and a responsibility, perhaps to look in the mirror and reflect on how you can make a difference in our own lives,” he said.
The weekend of experiences is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m., Jan. 12, with an open mic and poetry night at Lucille's Jazz Lounge, 1447 N. Summit St. Tickets range from $10 to $32, providing an opportunity for everyone to participate in the celebration, organizers said. With the theme celebrating 50 years of hip hop, event promoters promise a night of inspiration and cultural resonance to set the tone for the weekend.
The celebration continues Jan. 13, with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.'s 32nd annual MLK Scholarship Breakfast, an event dedicated to fostering education and community support while commemorating the achievements of its college scholarship awardees. Attendees are encouraged to get tickets due to limited space.
Organizers have designated Jan. 14 as a day of “Rest, Rejoicing, and Restoration” at the place of anyone’s choosing.
On Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Jan. 15, the Human Relations Commission and the University of Toledo are scheduled to present Unity Day Celebration hosted by WTVG reporter Alexis Means. The event will be virtual and streamed on the city of Toledo’s Facebook page, BCAN, and the University of Toledo's website featuring influential guest speakers and local performers.
“Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, as well as Black History Month, is not just about dedicating a single day or month to recognize the contributions of Black people,” said Erin Baker, chairman of the City of Toledo Human Relations Commission. “It is a reminder that these contributions should be celebrated and acknowledged every single day of the year.”
The event’s keynote speaker will be Rosa Alicia Clemente, an influential organizer, independent journalist, producer, and scholar-activist. Born and raised in New York’s Bronx borough, she is renowned for her activism and advocacy in the Black-Latinx community and the first Afro-Latina woman to run for vice president in 2008.
Toledo native Darryl Brown, founder and creative director of Midwest Kids, Inc. and Darryl Brown LLC, will be a featured speaker during the event. Both speakers will highlight the “I AM the Dream” theme with the goal of inspiring reflection and engagement.
Alongside the MLK events announcement, in recognition for his outstanding achievements in the fashion and entertainment industries, Mr. Brown was presented with the key to the city by the mayor.
The Rogers High School graduate previously worked as a steelworker, railroad engineer and a conductor at Norfolk Southern and an assembly line worker at General Motors. But all along for Mr. Brown, he had an eye for style and fashion and had the self-confidence and the courage to pursue that dream, Mr. Kapszukiewicz said.
“He worked with Adidas before becoming a stylist for Kanye West that led to a relocation to Los Angeles,” Mr. Kapszukiewicz said, adding that Mr. Brown’s clothing has also been worn by LeBron James.
Upon being bestowed the key to the city, Mr. Brown, 38, thanked the city for the honor, adding his desire that this would inspire other creators to work toward their passions.
“I hope that by this amazing award being presented to me, it can shine light on other creators and young people coming up to continue to have dreams and aspirations -- whether that is to be a designer or creator of whatever field,” Mr. Brown said.
“Anything's possible, and the possibilities are endless,” said the designer, who has clothed and styled many celebrities, including Tiana Taylor, Chris Paul, DeAndre Hopkins, and Machine Gun Kelly.
“If you have a dream that you're hungry and passionate about, as long as your talent is real, your heart is in the right place, and you're really seeking that out, eventually those doors will open to you,” he said.
Other event speakers Jan. 15 will include Dr. Gregory Postel, president of the University of Toledo; Mr. Kapszukiewicz; U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo); Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio); Gabrielle Mukiira, Toledo kid mayor; Malaika Bell, director of University of Toledo Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Ms. Baker, the city’s Human Relations Commission chairman and the director of equity, diversity, and inclusion for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library.
“What better way to celebrate this long-standing relationship with the city than to celebrate Unity Day as we do in co-sponsorship between the university and city, an event that we really, really look forward to,” Dr. Postel said.
“Universities are places where we celebrate inclusiveness, and I'm happy to say that the University of Toledo is no exception,” he added.
Special performances Jan. 15 will be by Alexis Means and the Toledo Opera; JP Dynasty; Hip Hop Poetry Cypher; Tahyah Dance Studio; Friendship/UT choir; My5tery Music Band; and Nikki D and The Browns.
“I encourage everyone to delve into the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and discover the profound impact he has had on civil rights and social justice,” Ms. Baker said, inviting the public to partake of Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s MLK initiatives that are already under way.
“We aim to make sure that Black history is accessible to everyone,” Ms. Baker said.
For more information or to purchase tickets visit toledo.oh.gov/residents/community/mlk-day
First Published January 4, 2024, 10:39 p.m.
