Montgomery County to Host Free Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 10, 2025

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee will host a free celebration at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the Music Center at Strathmore in North Bethesda. The celebration will feature music, storytelling, local talent, and celebrity guest appearances.

This year’s event, “A View from the Bridge: Injustice, Resistance and Hope,” will honor Dr. King’s legacy while exploring the powerful stories of three iconic bridges that symbolize key moments in the history of civil rights in America.  

The celebration will feature performances by Spur of the Moment, Daryl Davis, Shirleta Settles, Iziz la Enfermera de la Salsa, Concert Chorale of Washington, Miss Chief Rocka, Akhmedova Ballet Academy and John Sellman Jr.  

The event is free, but tickets are required. For ticket information, visit the Music Center at Strathmore website or the Montgomery County Office of Human Rights website.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to advancing justice, equality and opportunity for all people,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we gather to celebrate his enduring legacy, we are reminded of the importance of continuing the fight for civil rights and freedom. This year’s event, ‘A View from the Bridge: Injustice, Resistance and Hope,’ provides us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come and the work that remains. I invite everyone to join us in honoring Dr. King’s vision through powerful performances and storytelling that will inspire and uplift us all."

The Music Center at Strathmore is located at 5301 Tuckerman Lane in North Bethesda. The adjacent parking garage offers free parking. 

In addition to the celebration, Montgomery County’s Office of Human Rights and the Montgomery County Volunteer Center have partnered with Interfaith Works for a special Day of Service—the “Fill A Truck” initiative.

Organizers invite community members, as well as attendees of the Strathmore program, to participate in this meaningful act of kindness by donating toiletry items for the County’s homeless shelters.

Suggested new items for donation include portable shower caddies (for carrying items), bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, lotion, lip balms, travel-size shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, new washcloths and towels. New gloves and socks are also needed. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Music Center at Strathmore between 3:30-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19.

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Release ID: 25-019
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Consumer, Holiday, Volunteer