On Aug. 28, 1963, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the world. Thrust from rural Birmingham, Ala. - where he'd been arrested and jailed for protesting racial discrimination against blacks - into the national spotlight, King organized a massive march on Washington, D.C. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, the handsome and charismatic Baptist minister gave one of the most stirring oratories in U.S. history - his "I Have a Dream" speech, in which King called for America to "rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice." Like his life's work, King's words intoned his hope for freedom, nonviolence, justice and interracial unity.

King's famed speech is credited with mobilizing supporters and inspiring the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which made racial discrimination in public places - such as theaters, restaurants and hotels - illegal. In 1964 King also won the Nobel Peace Prize. But King's goal was acceptance for all people, regardless of race or nationality. And his contention that all human beings are truly equal is as powerful and vital today as it was in his tumultuous era.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 16, and several local institutions and venues will hold commemorations and celebrations to honor the life of the civil rights leader.

Pierce Transit MLK Day Schedule

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, Jan. 16, Pierce Transit services will operate on a regular weekday schedule. Pierce Transit administrative offices and all Bus Shop facilities will be closed, and no telephone information will be available. For additional information visit the Pierce Transit website at www.piercetransit.org.

City of Tacoma Stuff

Monday, Jan. 16
City of Tacoma administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 16 in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Garbage, recycling and yard waste collection will not affected by the holiday, so collection will be on the normal schedule. The City of Tacoma landfill, recycling center and household hazardous waste facility will be open regular hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

UWT Unity Breakfast

Monday, Jan. 16
Breakfast and unity are two things we could all use more of. While that may be a somewhat questionable way to start a blurb about an event celebrating Monday's Martin Luther King Jr. holiday celebration, we're rolling with it. Besides, what's really important is only that you take note of this worthy event, presented by the University of Washington Tacoma and the Black Student Union in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  Monday's UWT MLK Unity Breakfast will feature keynote speaker Kevin Gover, director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian, in addition to community recognition awards, local performing artists and a new essay scholarship for current and potential students. According to hype, registration for the annual Unity Breakfast at UWT's William W. Phillip Hall is limited to the first 300 paid registrations, with online registration available here.

[William W. Philip Hall, 8-10:30 a.m., $10 for UW students, $15 general public, $5 kids 10 and younger, 1900 Commerce St., Tacoma, www.tacoma.washington.edu/mlk]

24th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Monday, Jan. 16
Each year the City of Tacoma hosts one of the best and most orchestrated MLK Day celebrations in the region, gathering for words, music and inspiration at the Tacoma Dome Events Center and coming together as a community to honor and trumpet Dr. King's life and vision for peace and equality.

This year marks the 24th annual MLK celebration in Tacoma, with Monday's festivities - carrying a theme of "Forgiving the Past ~ Embracing the Future" - featuring a keynote address from Ester Nicholson along with what's billed as, "a musical tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."

As usual, Tacoma's MLK Day celebration will be telecast live on TV Tacoma.

Community members are encouraged to bring a non-perishable donation for the annual MLK Food Drive - with the food gathered going to the Emergency Food Network.

[Tacoma Dome Events Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2727 E. D St., Tacoma, 253.591.5151] 

(Postponed) Lyle Quasim "The Fire Within"

(THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTONED DUE TO SNOW)

Monday, Jan. 16
As part of a full docket of Martin Luther King Jr. events at the University of Puget Sound, including a day of action throughout the community that's expected to see over 300 UPS students, faculty and staff members volunteering their time for the betterment of Tacoma and our neighborhoods, the retiring president of Bates Technical College, Lyle Quasim, will deliver the keynote speech, "The Fire Within." A longtime social activist with a resume crafted in Tacoma and Pierce County that's nearly too long to list, there's little question Quasim's remarks will be worth hearing. UPS President Ronald R. Thomas will also take to the podium, along with gospel music from Navele Davis & Friends.

[Kilworth Memorial Chapel, 7-8:30 p.m. 1500 North Warner St., Tacoma, 253.879.3100]