Ames/Story County MLK Day 2022 Celebration

The City of Ames is joining the Ames/Story County MLK Celebration Committee in honoring the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr with a hybrid celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 17, at Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth St. (north side of City Hall).

Face masks and social distancing will be required to attend in person.

The event also will be available virtually via Facebook Live or live on YouTube. A Martin Luther King Jr celebration video will begin at 6:15 p.m.  This event, previously scheduled for Ames Middle School Commons, will feature a keynote speaker and the Ames Human Relations Commission presenting its annual Humanitarian Award in honor of King's birthday.

Long-time Ames resident Jeff Johnson, who serves as the Lora and Russ Talbot Endowed Iowa State University Alumni Association President and CEO, will be the keynote speaker. Johnson will share the impact Dr. King has had on his work and life.

Facebook address is: https://www.facebook.com/AmesMLKCelebration

YouTube address is: https://www.youtube.com/user/AmesChannel12

“We use this time each year to recognize the powerful legacy of Dr. King and learn from his example,” said Vanessa Baker-Latimer, MLK Celebration Committee Chair. “While we celebrate this day and it is a powerful reminder of his teaching, it is our hope that people keep Dr. King’s legacy alive every day.”

Additionally, all Story County high school students were invited to enter the second annual essay contest celebrating the life and work of Dr. King. Participants were asked to review Dr. King’s “Letter from the Birmingham Jail” as inspiration to explain why we need to rediscover MLK's values. Sixteen students submitted essays, which are being evaluated. Financial prizes will be awarded, and the winners will be announced by Friday, Jan. 14.

The MLK Celebration Committee invites citizens to post photos to its Facebook page (@AmesMLKCelebration) of themselves individually or in groups holding a favorite Martin Luther King Jr. quote.

More information about hybrid celebration is available on the group’s Facebook page @AmesMKLCelebration, Instagram at @amesmlk, or City of Ames website at https://www.cityofames.org/government/departments-divisions-a-h/housing/ames-story-county-martin-luther-king-jr-mlk-celebration-event

The community celebration is co-sponsored by the Ames Chamber of Commerce, Ames Human Relations Commission, Ames Police Foundation, Ames Public Library, Body of Christ Church, City of Ames, Wayne and Edna Clinton family, Iowa State University Library, Rotary Club of Ames, Volunteer Center of Story County, YWCA Ames-ISU, Rotary Club of Ames, League of Women Voters of Ames & Story County, HyVee, Hastings, Gartin & Boettger LLP; Ames Community School District, and Ames Branch of the NAACP.