Somerville Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Community Panel Discussion and Donation Drive

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ), and Somerville Public Schools’ Department of Equity and Excellence invite community members to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining a community panel discussion that touches on themes from Good Trouble, the 2020 documentary that chronicles John Lewis’ 60+ years of extraordinary activism. Following the panel discussion, the Floor Lords will perform, and light refreshments will be served. 

“The work of leaders like Dr. King and John Lewis challenges us to continue pushing for a more just world, where we uplift each other and stand in solidarity, especially with our most vulnerable,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “I am proud of the efforts we are making as a community to keep their legacies alive, and I look forward to engaging in meaningful conversations and acts of service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year alongside the people of Somerville.” 

Event Details 

• Date: Monday, January 20, 2025 
• Time: 11a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 
• Location: East Somerville Community School Auditorium (50 Cross St)

The panel will include Somerville students, activists, City staff, and more. Prior viewing of the documentary is not required to participate in or attend the event but is encouraged.  RSJ has secured the rights for Somerville community members to stream Good Trouble online at no cost through February 6. 

To access the Good Trouble: 

• Visit: filmplatform.net/events/somervillejohnlewis/ 
• Select “Register Now” and enter your email address and the event invitation code, JLS-SOM.

Participants can return to the link using the same process if they are unable to finish viewing the film in one sitting.  

MLK Community Donation Drive Details 

During the event, RSJ will collect donated items to help support our unhoused neighbors and be delivered to community partners supporting unhoused and displaced residents. For the full list of personal products, stable foods, and baby supplies needed, please visit the RSJ webpage.

“I am proud of the fact that the Department of Racial and Social Justice and the City of Somerville have committed to hosting events on MLK Day that extend beyond recognizing the holiday. MLK Day is a day of service – it is an opportunity to reflect on and carry forward the transformative legacies of Dr. King and other civil rights leaders like John Lewis,” shared Amanda Nagim-Williams, Director of RSJ. “As we come together this year, we recognize that their work is far from finished. I look forward to joining people from across Somerville to talk about how we cause ‘good trouble’ and chart a better, more just path forward for all of us.” 

“As we reflect on the work of Dr. King, and the efforts of John Lewis, and their tireless endeavors towards equality, it is important that we investigate how we can continue to promote the oneness of humankind and develop cross-racial and cross-cultural collaborations and relationships,” said Caeli Gallitano, Director of Equity and Excellence for Somerville Public Schools. “It is in the work that we do together – across racial and cultural lines – that we will help create a more just and equitable community for our children, our families, and ourselves. This celebration is a wonderful way to do just that. We hope to see you there.” 

For questions about the MLK Day event or donation drive, please contact rsj@somervillema.gov. Additional information about the panelists and the donation drive can be found on the RSJ webpage. 

 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or apomeroy@somervillema.gov.  

Efforts to secure interpretation into any language will be made upon advance request (at least seven days in advance) by contacting the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs at somervillema.gov/ContactSomerViva or calling 311 at 617-666-3311. 

This event will be videotaped by the City’s GovTV team. Watch it on-demand with optional closed-captioning (select the CC icon) on YouTube.com/SomervilleCityTV. Or watch on cable TV at GovTV Comcast Ch. 22 and GovTV Astound (RCN) Ch. 13 & 613.  Videos generally post within one business day of recording.