Ames MLK Day Event Honors Dr. King’s Legacy
Ames City Hall, Aug 27, 2024 – The Ames/Story County MLK Celebration Committee is gearing up for a special event to honor the legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. The event is set to take place on Monday, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Ames City Auditorium located at 520 Sixth St. Attendees can enjoy birthday cookies starting at 6 p.m. before the festivities kick off. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube, ensuring everyone can participate in celebrating Dr. King’s legacy.
Keynote Address by Toyia Younger
Toyia Younger, the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs at Iowa State University, will be delivering the keynote address at the event. With a distinguished career in higher education leadership, Younger’s insights are sure to inspire and engage the audience. Having previously served at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, Younger brings a wealth of experience to her address. Her educational background includes degrees from Michigan State University, Trinity Washington University, and the University of Maryland.
MLK Celebration Essay Contest and Humanitarian Award
In addition to the keynote address, the event will also feature the fourth annual MLK Celebration Essay Contest for high school students in Story County. Participants are encouraged to reflect on Dr. King’s impact on their lives and communities, with the contest winner having the opportunity to read their essay during the celebration. The Ames Human Relations Commission will also be presenting the annual Humanitarian Award to an individual who has made significant contributions to promoting diversity and equality within the community.
Community Support and Reflection
Local organizations, including the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, NAACP – Ames Branch, and YWCA Ames-ISU, have come together to support this meaningful celebration. The event serves as a reminder of Dr. King’s enduring influence and provides the Ames community with an opportunity to reflect on his vision of justice and equality.
As we come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy, let us remember the importance of standing up for justice and equality in our own lives. Let us be inspired by his courage and dedication to creating a more just society for all. And let us carry his legacy forward by actively working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone.
By participating in events like the Ames MLK Day Celebration, we can continue to keep Dr. King’s dream alive and make a positive impact in our communities. Let us all strive to be the change we wish to see in the world, just as Dr. King did so many years ago.
