40th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the NAACP in Maine and numerous organizations from around the state, please join us in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for the 40th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance. This observance - traditionally featuring a gospel concert, interfaith community dialogue, youth program, and dinner celebration – has been the largest celebration held in our state in his honor. This year will not disappoint and while we can no longer come together in a ballroom, we invite you to spend the Holiday with us for a Virtual Teach-In and Call to Action.

If Not Us, Then Who?
If Not Now, Then When?

This was first asked by John Lewis, the legendary civil rights leader who passed away last year after serving in the United States Congress for over three decades, when he first refused to leave a lunch counter in Nashville as part of protests against racial segregation. Sadly, these are still significant questions to ask 53 years later.

The Virtual Teach-In and Call to Action is intended for this purpose. Offered through a full day of programs, we hope you will question, learn, share, discuss, and take action!

Tickets this year will be sold on a sliding scale, ranging from free to $100. We encourage those who can to help cover the costs for those who are unable to pay for a ticket this year. No one will be turned away. Money raised through tickets and sponsorships will help offer honoraria to presenters and musicians and to seed a new fund to create fellowships, internships and other paid opportunities for African Americans, Latinx, Indigenous and other people of color to advance racial equity and justice in our public policy.

Hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

NAACP in Maine and the MLK Holiday Observance Steering Committee

EVENT DETAILS
Register once for the full day of events. Sessions will be available in multiple issue areas and presentation styles, including some opportunities to participate with children.

SPONSORSHIP
We are looking for businesses, organizations, and individuals that would like to sponsor this event. Funds will go to equitably paying speakers and musicians for their time and to seed a new fund to provide paid internships for Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other people of color at the Maine State House. To join us as an event sponsor visit our SPONSORSHIP REGISTRATION PAGE.