MLK event again a sellout in Maricopa

The community will honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. during a celebration Jan. 15.

The third annual Maricopa MLK Celebration begins 11 a.m. at Copper Sky Recreation Complex. The event is free, but registration has already filled up.

The event is hosted every year by the Maricopa Community Committee, of which Councilmember Henry Wade is a member.

Wade said the celebration will focus on MLK’s life and message with opening prayers offered by local ministers.

“There will be a dance performance by local youth and some poetry readings as well,” Wade said.

The event’s keynote speaker will be Floyd Galloway, former president of the East Valley NAACP, writer, photographer and talk show host.

Many local leaders are expected to attend, although Wade said the event will be sans-politics.

“I am working very diligently to not make this a political event; This is strictly a community event,” Wade said. “Apolitical, in other words.”

The celebration ends after closing remarks at 1 p.m.

As in previous years, the event sold out.