MLK Day to inspire hope, unity

The community will come together Monday, Jan. 19, to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on history made and currently unfolding. Natalie Zapata, Auburn Hip Hop Congress co-founder, said this year's theme, "A People's History," was chosen to reflect the importance of history. "Some of the most important times in history aren't even taught in school and we chose that (theme) because we're living in history right now, we're making history as we speak," she said. The program will be hosted by Co-Facilitator Stan Padilla and include music from Mignon Geli and Mountain Lion, indigenous leaders speaking on land justice and a keynote speaker. Zapata confirmed there will also be activities, like coloring for kids and younger performers bringing drums recently made by the Hip Hop Congress and singing songs taught to them by Aunt Maggie (Magge Steele). Zapata confirmed hip hop's role in history and civil rights will also be shared during the event, noting she herself would not know black history if not for hip hop. Attendees can look forward to participating in an interactive activity where they can share how they will share history and what they feel is important to remember now for future generations. Zapata noted the Hip Hop Congress will also continue Millee Livingston's tradition of having an MLK birthday cake. Livingston brought MLK Day to Auburn shortly after it became a federal holiday in 1983. Zapata said she hopes the program will inspire hope and unity and signify a commitment to move forward in the best way and help the community. "Being around people who care and knowing there have been people throughout history who've cared and they have made a difference," Zapata told the Auburn Journal. "And sometimes it seems really hopeless, like we can't do something, but when we gather, it's very motivating and inspiring." The event begins with a march around Lincoln Way and High Street with the program continuing at the General Gomez Arts & Events Center, 808 Lincoln Way, afterward. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. with the march beginning at 10.

MLK Day event to inspire hope, unity