The 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. observance in Junction City will include two days of activities.

On Sunday, January 17, at 3 p.m. there will be a “Gospel Tribute and Musical Celebration” at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. It will feature area choirs and music groups. “the Courage of Coretta” is the program theme highlighting the role and contributions of the First Lady of the civil rights movement.  The speaker for the tribute will be Dr. Prophetess Tammy Briggs, chaplain candidate at Fort Riley. The program will also honor local women who support and work in public servant leadership roles.

At 10 a.m. Monday, January 1, the MLK celebration continues with a “Tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers” with special recognition for MSG ( ret. ) Nolan Self and 1SG ( ret. ) Albert Curley. The keynote speaker for the observance is Colonel Andrew Cole, Garrison Commander, Fort Riley. There will be music provided by the Geary County Children’s choir under the direction of Greg Gooden.

The theme for the 2016 MLK Celebration is “Making the Dream a Reality” based on the words of Dr. King, “Everybody can be great…..because anybody can serve.”