Living the Dream: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week
25th Anniversary Theme: “Love and Nonviolence”
2010 Events Calendar
§ Student Art Competition: Open to grades 1 –12. The artwork must be related to Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi, Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela, human rights, peace, justice, non-violence, or diversity issues. Winning artwork will be displayed at the Topeka Performing Arts Center from 8 am – 5 pm throughout this week. The winner’s names will be published in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
§ Student Essay Competition: Open to grades 1-12. Essays must be related to Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi, Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela, human rights, peace, justice, non-violence, or diversity issues. The winner’s names will be published in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
§ Student Poetry Competition: Open to grades 5-12. Poetry entries must be related to Dr. King, Mahatma Gandhi, Cesar Chavez, Nelson Mandela, human rights, peace, justice, non-violence, or diversity issues. The winner’s names will be published in the Topeka Capital-Journal.
§ Prizes and Recognition: Art, Essay, and Poetry Competition winners will be recognized at the Phillip V. Ashford, Jr. Stop the Violence Day. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded prizes in accordance with the specified competition guidelines. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Sunday, January 10, 2010: Unity in the Community Day
§ A Unity Kick-off program will be held at the Washburn University Little Theatre, 1700 College Ave. at 4:00 pm. Dr. Angela Washington, Pastor of the Asbury-Mt. Olive UM Church is the guest speaker.
Monday, January 11, 2010: Educational Outreach Day
§ Living the Dream, Inc. members will be reading educational enrichment books to Topeka area preschool students.
§ Representatives from the Topeka Fire and Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be conducting presentations for elementary school students about making the right choices, staying in school, and preventing bullying behaviors.
§ Representatives from the Topeka Fire and Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be conducting presentations for elementary school students about making the right choices, staying in school, and preventing bullying behaviors.
§ Special appreciatory, floral arrangements and gift baskets will be delivered to Topeka area senior centers between 1:00 pm – 3:00 p.m. in recognition of Respect for Elders’ Day.
§ Living the Dream, Inc. members will be reading educational enrichment books to Topeka area preschool students.
§ Representatives from the Topeka Fire and Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be conducting presentations for elementary school students about making the right choices, staying in school, and preventing bullying behaviors.
§ The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka/DBE Program in partnership with Living the Dream will be presenting a seminar on “Winning Government Contracts – the First Steps” from 9 am to 12 noon at the Ramada Inn – Madison Room. The cost is $25.00 to register. Lunch is included.
§ The Poetry Competition for students in grades 5-12 will be held at the Wymore Auditorium at Westar Energy, 818 S. Kansas Avenue at 6:30 p.m. A reception will follow in the Multipurpose Room.
§ Topeka area high school drum lines will be providing “Drumming for the Drum Major” performances at Washburn University, White Concert Hall, 1700 SW College Ave. at 7:00 p.m. A canned food drive will be held to kick-off the Project Topeka efforts. Two canned goods or a $2.00 monetary donation is recommended for admission.
§ A Governor’s Proclamation signing will be held in the Governor’s Office. Time to be announced.
§ Living the Dream, Inc. members will be reading educational enrichment books to Topeka area preschool students.
§ Representatives from the Topeka Fire and Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be conducting presentations for elementary school students about making the right choices, staying in school, and preventing bullying behaviors.
Friday, January 15, 2010: Phillip V. Ashford, Jr. Stop the Violence Day
§ Willie Jolley, a renown motivational speaker will address middle and high school students at 9:00 a.m. at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, 214 SE Eighth Street. First, second, and third place winners of the Student Art, Essay, and Poetry Competitions will be recognized.
§ A Community Leadership and Recognition Luncheon will be held at the Ramada Inn Convention Center, 420 SE Sixth Street at 11:30 a.m. Corporate CEOs will be recognized for their sponsorship. Larry Robbins, Executive Director of Operations with Topeka Public Schools is the guest speaker. The Topeka West Jazz Band will provide musical selections.
§ Willie Jolley will speak to residents at the Kansas Juvenile Correctional Complex at 3:30 pm.
§ Living the Dream, Inc. members will be reading educational enrichment books to Topeka area preschool students.
§ Representatives from the Topeka Fire and Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol will be conducting presentations for elementary school students about making the right choices, staying in school, and preventing bullying behaviors.
§ The Scholarship and Awards Banquet will be held at the Ramada Inn Convention Center, 420 SE Sixth Street, Regency Ballroom at 6:00 p.m. Willie Jolley, a renown motivational speaker and professional entertainer is the featured banquet speaker and entertainer.
§ Graduating senior high school scholarship and community awards recipients will also be recognized.
Sunday, January 17, 2010: Religion Day
§ The Topeka/Lawrence Baptist Ministers’ Union will host a worship service at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 1100 SE Washington Street at 6:00 pm. A Community Mass Choir will provide musical selections. The speaker is to be announced.
§ “Whose Dream Is It?” Coalition in partnership with Living the Dream, Inc. is sponsoring a free community-wide soup dinner and program in celebration of the King Holiday at the Assumption Church, 204 SW 8th at 6:00 p.m. followed by the program at 7:00 p.m. Glenda Overstreet, community activist and advocate is the guest speaker. Alexandra Blasi will be providing musical selections.
Living the Dream Business Partners: Westar Energy, Topeka Capital-Journal, City of Topeka, Living the Dream, Inc., Washburn University, Shawnee Heights School District, Auburn-Washburn School District, Seaman School District, Topeka Public Schools, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Hills Pet Nutrition, Inc., Dillon Stores, Topeka Chapter of Links, N.A.A.C. P., US Bank, Whose Dream Is It?, Topeka Center for Peace and Justice, KSNT-27 News, KTKA-49 News, WIBW-13 News, Ramada Inn Convention Center, Topeka Performing Arts Center, Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka/DBE Program, and the Topeka/Lawrence Baptist Minister’s Union.