ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Foundation has four days of upcoming events to honor the legacy of the late civil rights leader.
Activities kick off Friday, Jan. 16 with the annual MLK Gala at the Leak Street Event Center from 6-11 p.m. The dress code for the gala is semi-formal and open to adults 21 and older. Tickets are $15. For more information, contact Bruce Stanback at 910-331-4246.
Three events are scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 17, starting at 9 a.m. with a prayer breakfast at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital-Richmond. For more information, contact the Rev. Charles Bethea at 910-273-7090.
At noon, various groups will be volunteering across the county for: Habitat for Humanity; Hamlet Soup Kitchen; Faith Assembly Pantry and Soup Kitchen; Leak Street Event Center; and Ellerbe Food Pantry. Residents are encouraged to join them for a day of service. For more information, contact the Rev. Johnny Harris at 910-331-7504.
The annual Youth Gala will be held from 4-7 p.m. at the Leak Street Gym. For more information, contact Jennifer Watkins at 910-331-5574, or Crystal Morrison at 910-894-2297.
The annual Ecumenical Service at 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 will feature Pastor Stacy Tuttle of The ROC Church as the guest speaker at Place of Grace in East Rockingham. For more information, contact the Rev. Linda Ross at 910-995-2955.
Events conclude with the annual MLK Luncheon at noon on Monday Jan. 12 at Waymon Chapel Faith Center, with Rockingham native and journalist Barry Saunders as the guest speaker. Admission is $15. For more information, contact Dot Bynum at 910-219-0038 or Barbara Moton at 910-434-3160.
There are also youth essay and poster contests through Richmond County Schools, with a deadline of Jan. 9. Winners will be at the luncheon and their works will be on display at Leath Memorial Library in Rockingham.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the events is encouraged to contact Curtis Ingram at 910-206-1240.
