MLK event offers entertainment, speakers

The public is invited to celebrate Martin Luther King Day during a free community event hosted by Alterra resident Kelly Berry. The event will include live entertainment and guest speakers Mayor Christian Price and Henry Wade, chairman of the Pinal County Democratic Party.

The event will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the 7 Java Street coffee shop, 20800 N. John Wayne Parkway.

“His dream was to have all people of all races come together in unity and that’s what we’re doing,” Berry said.

The event will show a short film about King, including why his birthday is celebrated and the importance of his “I Have a Dream” speech, Berry said.

Other guests include Robert Luster, Norma Washington and members from local churches and ministries.

Luster is a Rancho El Dorado resident who is director of Web communications at the Center for the Future of Arizona and a bass player for the Chandler Symphony Orchestra. Luster said he will give talk about the Arizona Gallup Poll, Arizona Civic Health Index and how to become an Arizona advocate.

“Dr. King himself was a great community leader, and through this event, I hope to turn people’s attention to civic engagement,” Luster said. He also will perform the Broadway song “Closer than Ever” accompanied by vocalist Alex Gray.

Alterra residents Norma and Ben Washington are local authors who will speak about their books and ministry. The two are bishops for Walk by Faith Empowerment Center.

The Walk by Faith choir will perform.

“I think it’s a way of meeting people in the community and being exposed to information and experiences you didn’t have before,” Norma Washington said.

This is the second annual MLK event by Berry, who is the founder and minister for the African Violets of the Valley Christian Collaboration. The African Violets is a nondenominational Christian ministry that hosts church at the park, meets and greets for new residents and community events.

Church at the park is a worship service held on Saturday once a month in which multiple churches and pastors gather.

“The people who come are usually searching for church homes or just want to listen to the word of God,” Berry said.

The next church at the park will be in March at Rotary Park and is open to the public.