Ames/Story County MLK Day Celebration 2025: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ames/Story County came together on January 20, 2025, at the Ames City Hall Auditorium to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the annual MLK Day celebration. The event, organized by the MLK Celebration Committee, aimed to promote unity, reflection, and the values that King stood for in the civil rights movement.
Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: A Night of Music and Inspiration
Vanessa Baker-Latimer, the housing coordinator for the City of Ames and a member of the MLK Celebration Committee, set the tone for the evening as the master of ceremonies. She welcomed the community to commemorate King’s impact and message of non-violence, equality, and civil rights for all individuals, regardless of race. Baker-Latimer emphasized the importance of continuing King’s work towards a more inclusive and just society.
The highlight of the evening was the performance by the Meeker/Edwards and Ames Youth Choir, a group of elementary students known as the MLK Children’s Choir. Their musical tribute to King’s legacy added a touch of inspiration and joy to the event, showcasing the talents and spirit of the younger generation in honoring the civil rights leader.
Recognizing Essay Contest Winners and Community Leaders
The celebration also included the announcement of the winners of the 5th annual MLK Essay Contest, where Story County high school students were invited to share how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had impacted their lives or communities. Olivia Zhang, Mikayla Carpenter, and Fatimah Naraghi emerged as the top three winners, each offering a unique perspective on King’s influence and the importance of continuing his legacy of justice and equality.
Additionally, Latifah A. Faisal, a member of the Story County Board of Supervisors, received the prestigious Ames Humanitarian Award for her outstanding efforts towards diversity, inclusion, and equity in the community. Faisal’s dedication to breaking down barriers and amplifying underrepresented voices was recognized and celebrated during the event.
Keynote Address and Call to Action
The celebration concluded with a powerful keynote speech from Toyia K. Younger, the senior vice president for student affairs at Iowa State University. Younger echoed Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community, emphasizing the importance of empathy, dialogue, and creating spaces of equality and belonging for all individuals. She urged the audience to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, inspiring them to work towards a more inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels valued and at home.
As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., let us remember his teachings of love, justice, and unity, and continue to strive towards a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. Through our collective efforts, we can honor King’s memory and work towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
