Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Day Luncheon took place
at the Glendale Civic Center Jan.18. 2008

We celebrated the life and ideals of Martin Luther King Jr. with a special luncheon on Jan. 18 at the Glendale Civic Center.

This year’s keynote speaker was poet, author and professor Nikki Giovanni who came of age during the Civil Rights Movement. Over the past 25 years, Nikki Giovanni's outspokenness, in her writing and in person, has brought the eyes of the world upon her. One of our most widely read American poets; she prides herself on being "A black American, a daughter, a mother, a professor of English."

Giovanni, has written nearly 20 books, and has established herself as an outspoken advocate for equality in America.

Nikki Giovanni is also well-known for her moving poem We Are Virginia Tech, which she recited after last spring's Virginia Tech massacre.

The luncheon was hosted by the city’s Diversity Committee, which strives to promote an environment that places a high value on individuality, dignity, respect and professional growth.  The committee presented the Promoting Inclusiveness award, to acknowledge the recipient’s contribution to promoting inclusiveness within our community. 

As one of the state’s premier celebrations of Dr. King’s life and the ideals his name so symbolically represents, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Day Luncheon demonstrates Glendale’s commitment to create a society that is more just, peaceful and understanding.

Complete introduction  to Nikki Giovanni and her keynote can be seen http://www.smecc.org/media/mlk%202008.wmv
 If Broadband connected watch it or…  ”Right Click and then "Save Target As”   (Photos by Ed Sharpe)