NEWS INFORMATION FROM |
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THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED |
FOR IMMEDIATE USE |
EDUCATIONAL, HISTORICAL & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES MARK CITY’S OBSERVANCES OF KING HOLIDAY & BLACK HISTORY MONTHHarrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today announced that an expanded schedule of events and activities commemorating the birthday anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month will be offered by the city in coming weeks. The series of mostly free events begins this weekend when the city hosts the 21st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Competition Awards Program. The Essay Competition was first begun by the Mayor in 1985, long before the great civil rights leader’s birthday was declared a national holiday, and encourages city youth to write about Dr. King’s goals and ideals, with the top three then picked in each grade group from seventh through twelfth grades. More than 5,000 youth have participated in the Competition since its inception and winners have received U.S. Savings Bonds, passes to midstate recreational attractions, discount coupons and other prizes. This year’s awards program begins at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 17, in the atrium of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center, which Reed named in honor of Dr. King twenty years ago. It is the only government headquarters building in the world named for the civil rights minister. Also on the Mayor’s Black History Month schedule is the popular 6th Annual Mayor’s Black History Gala, this year slated for Saturday, February 12(Valentine’s Weekend) at the Harrisburg Hilton and Towers. The event is semi-formal/black tie optional and this year features entertainment by The Panama band, Baltimore’s hottest show and dance band, Harrisburg’s own BET Comic View comedian Kenny Robb, and DJ Mr. Wizard, along with poetry readings, a silent art auction and more. Proceeds from the Gala benefit the free Black History Month Student Performing Artist Showcase, set for March 16 at the Forum. Tables for the Gala are available now and can be reserved by calling the Bureau of Recreation at (717) 233.7403. Interested attendees should act today to purchase tickets as the event traditionally sells out. Mayor Reed said Black History Month activities continue at The National Civil War Museum in Reservoir Park on Saturday, February 26, with a special tribute to Harrisburg’s past and present African American entrepreneurs. The free event, which includes admission to the Museum, runs from Noon to 5:00 p.m. at the Reservoir Park-based facility. Live entertainment, historical displays, exhibits and reenactors and a special past and present fashion show are included. Exhibitors are invited to register to participate in the event. Reed said the city’s Black History Month celebration continues with several special art exhibitions during the month of February. The 15th Annual Hamilton Elementary School Art Exhibition will be on display in the City Government Center Atrium from February 2 through March 31, featuring artwork from students in grades K-8. Separately, the 13th Annual Black History Month Art Exhibit will be on display in the Reservoir Park Mansion during the same time period, with an opening reception slated for Saturday, February 12, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Mayor said the city’s Black History Month activities concludes on Wednesday, March 16, with the Seventh Annual Black History Youth Performing Artist Showcase at the Forum in downtown. The “Celebration of Unity” themed event is free and open to the ticketed public, and features students in grades 5 through 12 from both Harrisburg and the surrounding region performing a wide array of artistic disciplines. The popular showcase is performed twice during the day, with a special morning performance reserved solely for city school students and senior citizens. The encore evening performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and attendees must have a free, advance-issued ticket to gain admission. Tickets are available on Wednesday, March 9, beginning at Noon at Mr. Mikes Records, Music Man, Giant Foods-Kline Village, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center – Suite 401 and at the Reservoir Park Mansion. There is a four-ticket per person limit. “Black History Month presents an important opportunity for us to reflect upon the many contributions of citizens of African descent to our civilization’s history,” said the Mayor. “This legacy extends into every community, through each century of our nation’s history, and is a fundamental part of our society today. Through this expanded series of events and activities, we hope to celebrate these accomplishments and foster greater understanding and appreciation by all citizens for the extraordinary and unique contributions of African Americans to our society as a whole.” For more information on the City of Harrisburg’s Black History Month observances please call the Department of Parks and Recreation at (717) 255.3020, or 233.7403 |
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