Woonsocket’s MLK Community Committee
brings the 19th Annual MLK Celebration to the City
Woonsocket, RI, January 7, 2020 - The 19th Annual Woonsocket MLK Celebration promotes the theme of “We are Listening. We are Watching.” in recognition of the racial inequities affecting the Woonsocket Community. For the past 19 years, the MLK Community Committee has strived to address challenges and create lasting improvements in the Woonsocket Community. This year will build on that work by encouraging learning and dialogue, specifically around racial equity.
“This year’s events are designed to address things we have heard and seen in our community that are of great concern” says Thomas Gray, Vice-Chair of the MLK Community Committee. “We hope people attend to have these important conversations.”
Emma Dandy, Chair of the MLK Community Committee shares that “We want our community to know about our past so we can have a better future.”
Starting Friday, January 17th, an event-filled weekend has been planned by Woonsocket’s MLK Committee to acknowledge the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. All events are open to the public and most are free (unless otherwise noted).
Schedule:
Friday 1/17, 6:30pm: J.W. Hinson Scholarship Banquet at Millrace, 40 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI. Ms. Womazetta Jones, Secretary Executive Office of Health and Human Services for Rhode Island will keynote the event. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased from Committee members and at St. James Baptist Church. Proceeds will support two scholarships for high school seniors who have made strong contributions to the community.
Saturday 1/18, 12pm-5pm: Training provided by the RI Foundation on “The Groundwater Approach: building a practical understanding of structural racism” at Millrace, 40 South Main Street, Woonsocket. RI. The lively and participatory session incorporates stories and data to explore modern-day racial inequality. The three hour training will be followed by a debrief session. Child care will be available on site.
Sunday 1/19, 3pm: Interfaith Worship Service at St. James Baptist Church led by special guest Pastor Vincent L. Thompson. All faiths welcome. (340 South Main Street, Woonsocket)
Monday 1/20, 11am: Memorial Service at the MLK Memorial Sculpture Garden with addresses from state and local elected officials. A pot luck community conversation to follow at Millrace (Memorial: Intersection of South Main Street and Mason Street, Woonsocket; Pot Luck: 40 South Main Street, Woonsocket)
“We’re hoping that the community responds in full force to this year’s events, which are going to be very exciting” shares Brenda Figueroa, member of the MLK Community Committee.
These events are put together by the dedicated MLK Community Committee. The 2020 Committee includes: Emma Dandy (Chair), Thomas Gray (Vice Chair), Carol Wilson-Allen (Secretary), Monique Austin, Brenda Figueroa, Lt. Col. Sharon Harmon, Rosalind Mitchell, Margaux Morisseau, Carol Nasuti, Rev. Lee Williams, and Kris Wright.
For more information about this year’s events, please visit https://www.facebook.com/WoonsocketMLKDay/
Federal officials are announcing a cutback in the number of flights in U.S. airspace starting Friday morning. It's a result of staffing shortages during the federal government shutdown. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford announced Wednesday the agency will reduce air traffic by ten percent at 40 high-volume airports if there's no deal to end the shutdown. 
