On Saturday, Jan. 18, Whitby hosted the 26th Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Canada Event Centre.
The event was organized by Pauline Christian and the Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada (EFCCC), with a goal of bringing the community together to honour Dr. King’s legacy of equality, justice and unity.
Pauline Christian, who’s been leading the event for years, said the goal is to create a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere. “We want an atmosphere that resonates with everybody that comes,” she said. “While we are celebrating the achievements of the community leaders we will be doing a scholarship giveaway to nine students.”
This year’s celebration looked a little different from last year, with new speakers, performers and ideas added to keep things fresh and exciting. “We’ve worked hard to bring in a mix of voices,” Christian explained. “We’ve been focusing on a lot of programs and innovative performances that will highlight modern day Martin Luther King and his teachings.”
The program included heartfelt speeches, inspiring performances, and moments for reflection, all focused on bringing people together and celebrating the diversity of the Durham Region.
Christian emphasized that the event is not just about honouring the past but also about shaping the future of the community. “It serves as a platform to highlight the rich contributions of various cultures in the community,” she said. “We can get along, we can work together”
The celebration has become a beloved tradition for EFCCC, offering a space for people to come together, learn and celebrate the values Dr. King stood for.
Open to everyone, the event aims to inspire, uplift and connect residents while honouring the incredible legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.