“We’ve been fortunate enough to hold an event similar to this starting in 2017. It was a service-based project then. It’s evolved over time.”
Spencer McKellar is Deputy Parks and Recreation Director and Project Manager for the city of Kentwood. He says in the past two years, the city has partnered with Kent District Library to enhance the event.
“It’s just really a celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. and what he stood for in bringing the community together.”
The evening will feature youth activities, musical performances, a recital by Kentwood Youth Advisory Students, and remarks from author Julian S. Newman, whose book, “Beautiful Together,” explores the power of leadership in creating inclusive and equitable communities.
McKellar says the event is held in the spirit of what King stood for, which resonates strongly throughout the Kentwood community.
“We realize that we have a very diverse population and we want to bring everybody together and make sure it feels like a place, no matter who you are, where you came from, that it’s a place you want to live and stay.”
The evening of reflection happens on Tuesday, January 21st from 5-7:30 PM at the Kentwood branch of the Kent District Library. It is free and open to the public.
