New Haven Festival Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.

The 16th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice Family Festival will take place from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan, 15, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven.

The festival will focus on environmental and social justice, civil rights, non-violent advocacy, equality of resources and community enrichment.

"Honoring Dr. King through this family festival has become a tradition in Connecticut over the past 15 years and the event attracts visitors and participants of diverse backgrounds and international talents," said Daniel C. Esty, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, co-sponsor of the event. "Through all of his work, Dr. King serves as a role model for us and is not to be forgotten."

The two days of educational activities for families and people of all ages and backgrounds include performances by members of the New Haven community and from around the world, including music, poetry, children’s storytelling and dance.

On Sunday, January 15, from 12:30 to 5 p.m., teens from the Yale Peabody Museum's EVOLUTIONS After School Program will host their 3rd annual event celebrating the legacy of Dr. King.

This year, they are bringing together high school students from across the greater New Haven area to explore the themes of unity and community.

The event will feature interactive sessions led by a variety of teen-centered organizations from around the area. All students who participate in the full event are invited to an after party from 5 to 7 p.m. where there will be free food, good music and dancing.

Other highlights of this year’s celebration include:

• Premier Jazz Ensemble
• St. Luke’s Steel Band
• Storytelling
• New Haven Breakdancers
• Traditional West African dance and drumming performance
• Poetry Open Mic
• Zannette Lewis Environmental and Social Justice Poetry Slam        

For further information, contact the Yale Peabody Museum at 203-432-3776 or visit the Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice Family Festival website.

Parking: Weekend parking is free in all Yale University parking lots.

Co-sponsors: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; the DEEP’s Environmental Justice Program, the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, Citizens Bank, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the Yale Office of New Haven and State Affairs, and Stop & Shop.