MENU

Martin Luther King Day Community Celebration

Martin Luther King Day Community Celebration
Posted on 01/08/2020
MLK Community CelebrationThe second annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration will be held from 9:30am-12:30pm on Monday, January 20th at Westborough High School. The event is free and open to all ages. Central MA Connections in Faith (CMACIF), in partnership with Westborough Interfaith Association, Westborough Connects, and Westborough Public Schools are sponsoring the event, which is grant-funded by the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and by Islamic Relief.

Building on community spirit from last year’s celebration, which drew over 300 people to the event, this year’s theme is “Our Diversity Is Our Strength: Reflect, Connect, Heal.” Speaker, Coach, and Author Maria Milagros will deliver the keynote address. 


Maria is a speaker, author, storyteller and empowerment life coach who uses storytelling to “bring encouragement, education and love to empower others to get out of their way and break free from any hindering thoughts or beliefs, so that they can live amazing lives and leave their unique and positive mark on the world.” Maria will focus her remarks on the importance of beginning with an understanding and acceptance of ourselves before we are able to understand and appreciate those around us. Maria believes, “Our differences are not meant to separate us, but to unite, enrich and expand our lives. The mission of this talk is to remind everyone that they have permission to operate in their fullness, to empower them to embrace all that makes them who they are, and to root ourselves in love and appreciation so that we can create the bridges that unite us as one family. Because that is where we re-discover our strength as humankind. “


Event organizers again sponsored a student creative project contest in advance of the January 20th event. Middle and high school students from Westborough and communities served by CMACIF were invited to submit entries centered around the program theme, “Our Diversity Is Our Strength: Reflect, Connect, Heal.” Contest winners will be selected in advance and will have an opportunity to present their projects at the event.


Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in  “Conversation Circles,” hosted by Central MA Connections in Faith. Through engaging and thoughtful discussions in a small group format, adult and adolescent attendees will have the opportunity to explore the themes of diversity and difference raised by Maria’s talk in our own lives. The group conversation provides a meaningful way to extend the message of the day by getting to know each other.


The youngest attendees and their parents or caregivers are invited to participate in a hands-on activity, followed by a community drum circle featuring Drum to the Beat.


Free on-site language interpretation services will be available in Spanish and Portugese. No advance registration is required. 


Refreshments will be served. 


The Westborough Council on Aging will offer free transportation for Westborough seniors. Please contact the Westborough Senior Center at 508-366-3000 for information on bus transportation.


For other questions, please contact:

Heena Suratwala

[email protected]