Long Beach, Calif. - On Tuesday, Feb. 21, ASI Beach Pride Events will be hosting the 18thAnnual MLK Celebration to commemorate the life and mission of Martin Luther King Jr. This year's theme is "The Courage to Act," and the event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the USU Long Beach Ballrooms.
"This event will connect students with African American culture and give them a positive context to understand King's message of social justice, peace and diversity," said fourth year business administration major and event-lead Brandon Ayala.
The event will include a performance by CSULB American Indian Community Drum, a libation and singing of "The Black National Anthem," and poetry and essay readings from CSULB students.
The keynote speaker is Pastor William D. Smart, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Southern California and director of training and outreach at the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy.
"With all that's going on politically in our country, city and even on campus, this event will help us learn how King's message is still very much relevant today," said Ayala.
This event is open to all students, faculty and staff. Started in 1999 by CSULB black faculty and staff, the MLK Celebration celebrates a long legacy of honoring King and remembering his mission. For more information, visit www.asicsulb.org/corporate/enjoy/event-calendar/296.
