Known for his work in human rights education and civic engagement, Kirby Edmonds, a Dorothy Cotton Institute senior fellow, will present the keynote address, “How We Can Create a Socially Just Local Economy,” at the city of Ithaca community luncheon, Jan. 20, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. The luncheon recognizes the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.; is free and open to the community; and features performances by Cal Walker, John Simon and Trece.

The luncheon is part of a day of service co-sponsored by the Cornell Public Service Center, various Cornell and Ithaca College offices and several local organizations. Public events being held at Ithaca College include a community breakfast, citizenship presentations, educational workshops, films, a concert and a 4 p.m. keynote by Librada Paz, council member of the Rural and Migrant Ministry who works for farmworker human rights in New York.

For the first time, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a paid holiday for Cornell staff members. Transportation for members of the Cornell campus community to the luncheon and afternoon keynote will be provided by Cornell’s Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives.

Other public events celebrating King include a luncheon Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Southside Community Center, $15; a breakfast, Jan. 18, 9-11:30 a.m., at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, $3 per person, $10 per family of four, $2 for senior citizens and students; “Live Your Dream” Artivism, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m., at Cornell’s Big Red Barn; and the King Commemorative Lecture, sponsored by Cornell United Religious Work, Feb. 4 at 4:45 p.m. in Sage Chapel, with speaker Michele Norris of National Public Radio.

More information: Cornell’s Diversity and Inclusion: Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. and the Ithaca College MLK Campuswide Celebration Web pages.