West Hartford Prepares for Martin Luther King Birthday Celebration

West Hartford will hold its 16th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life next Monday in the .

"The event has become the largest celebration of this kind in central Connecticut," Mayor Scott Slifka announced at the Town Council meeting Tuesday night, as he urged everyone to attend. Approximately 400 people participated in last year's celebration.

The event will take place on Monday, Jan. 16, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and will feature keynote speaker Jewel Mullen, M.D., commissioner, Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Rev. Terry Schmitt, who is also a member of the West Hartford Board of Education, will give the benediction and Eyewitness News 3 reporter Tina Martin will serve as the emcee. 

Courtney Mae Fuller of and Samuel Clark of will give the student perspective speeches, according to a news release from the Town of West Hartford. Musical performances will be provided by the Conard High School Jazz Combo, Conard High School Gospel Choir, and the Voices of .

The West Hartford African American Social & Cultural Organization, West Hartford Initiative for Racial and Ethnic Diversity, Town of West Hartford, and West Hartford Public Schools are annual sponsors of this free event, which is open to all members of the public. The celebration will also be recorded and televised by on Comcast Channels 5 and 95. Refreshments will be donated by the .

Contact Renée McCue, public relations specialist, at 860-561-7521 for further information.