Contact: Chris Renton, christopher.renton@yale.edu
For Immediate Release:
26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, January 13-17
New Haven, Conn. – The Yale Peabody Museum's 26th Annual MLK Celebration presents a line-up of inspiring and thought-provoking virtual events generously sponsored by Citizens™.
The Peabody joins co-host CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the New Haven Museum in offering a slate of programs from January 13-17 that honor Dr. King's legacy and illustrate how it continues to impact artists, advocates, and thought leaders today. The Museum and its partners have gathered luminaries from the local community and across the country for live discussions and performances that examine and encourage the movement towards social and environmental justice.
From exploring spirituality in environmentalism to understanding how climate change is affecting local frogs, this year's program has something for everyone including conversation, art, storytelling, and poetry. The annual Poetry Slam has been transformed into an electrifying spoken word experience that features award-winning, internationally recognized performers and poets. And the New Haven Museum is hosting a morning of family-friendly programs, including dance and storytelling.
The events will take place on Zoom with live English captioning. The Peabody will also simulcast programs on its YouTube channel and Facebook page.
Programs scheduled for January 13 - January 17
Thursday, January 13, 6:00-7:15 PM
Environmental Justice: Exploring Race, Place & Spirituality
Join local and national thought leaders Sharon Lewis, Executive Director of Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice; brontë velez, creative director for Lead to Life; and Maisa Tisdale, Founder and President of the Mary and Eliza Freeman Center for a conversation that explores how race, place, and spirituality can intersect and inform one another on a path toward a more just future. REGISTRATION
Friday, January 14, 10:30-11:30 AM
Frozen Frogs and Climate Change
Researcher and PhD candidate Yara Alshwairikh speaks about the effects of climate change on Wood Frogs and the species' incredible tolerance for the cold. REGISTRATION
Sunday, January 16, 1:00-3:00 PM
MLK Youth Space: Art as Wellness
Created by and for middle and high school young adults, this virtual space is open to young people interested in connecting with their peers to learn and talk about mental wellness in families of color. Hosted with leadership from Students for Educational Justice. REGISTRATION
Sunday, January 16, 6:00-8:00 PM
Z Experience Poetry Jam
Influential poet-performers Croilot and Ngoma emcee an electrifying spoken word experience in honor of Zannette Lewis, founder of our annual MLK Poetry Slam. A curated open mic will be followed by a slate of renowned poets including Lorraine Currelley, Robert Gibbons, Bao Phi, and Ray Jane. REGISTRATION
Monday, January 17, 10:00-11:30 AM
New Haven Museum Family Programming
Enriching family programs celebrate Dr. King and his living legacy. Beloved storytellers Joy Donaldson, Waltrina Kirkland, and Clifton Graves will share fables, anecdotes, and stories that honor King's work. An interactive dance performance and lesson from Ms. Hanan's Dance and Beyond is followed by a kid-friendly painting activity with Anthony Gilkes. REGISTRATION
Monday, January 17, 10:00-11:30 AM
Supporting Black Youth in Crisis: What Would Dr. King Say? What Would Dr. King Do?
Fascinating and candid panel discussion hosted by the Black Caucus American Library Association–Connecticut Chapter on the issues plaguing Black youth in our community. The conversation will dig into the critical role of mental health and how drugs and violence perpetuate negative behavior. REGISTRATION
Monday, January 17, 2:30-3:30 PM
Community Conversation: Standing on Their Shoulders
Join representatives from the New Haven African American Historical Society and the National Council for Negro Women as they share their legacy and contemporary organizing efforts, while offering ways for everyone to get involved. REGISTRATION
The 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice is generously sponsored by Presenting Sponsor Citizens™.
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