FREE

The Mayor’s Office of Arts, Tourism, and Special Events, The Museum of African American History and the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras  present Boston’s 11th annual “A Day of Service and Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” on Monday, January 21, 2013 at 1pm in Faneuil Hall.  The music program will feature a moving selection of classical music, spirituals and freedom songs performed by the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, conducted by Marta Zurad. The event is free and open to the public. This year’s keynote speaker is Ernest G. Green, Member of the Little Rock Nine and Consultant. In addition to the keynote speaker, a distinguished roster of leaders will read from Dr. King’s Emancipation Proclamation Centennial address.  This roster includes Marvin Gilmore, Military Leader; Reverend Doctor Gloria White Hammond, Humanitarian Leader; and Regie Gibson, Oratory Leader. Music, spoken word, history and a day of service create an exquisite memorial to one of the world’s most beloved freedom fighters. 2013 also marks three significant milestones including the 150th anniversary of the historic proclamation and of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, the first black soldiers from the north to serve in the Civil War. This year's tribute presents an ideal opportunity to showcase Dr. King’s Emancipation Proclamation Centennial Address on the Presidential Order to liberate men, women and children enslaved in states in rebellion during the Civil War.  The military, humanitarian, and oratory leaders will read from the speech delivered in New York City on September 12, 1962, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s signing of the preliminary proclamation on September 22, 1862 and his official proclamation on January 1, 1863.  The event will also recognize the 50th anniversary of his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered August 28, 1963 in the shadow of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.