ITHACA, N.Y. -- A community program to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held at the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), 318 N. Albany St., on Martin Luther King Day, Monday, Jan. 21, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The program is free and open to all.

The annual event will begin with a luncheon, a keynote speech and performances by local choirs. This year's keynote speaker is the Rev. Kenneth Clarke, director of Cornell United Religious Work. Two hours of workshops will follow the luncheon, including an "Elders Speak-Out," children's workshops and a panel discussion on welfare reform. The program will conclude with dessert and additional performances by local choirs.

The event has been organized by the Cornell University Public Service Center; the Center for Religion, Ethics and Social Policy at Cornell; the Cornell Department of Campus Life; GIAC; Multicultural Resource Center; and GreenStar Cooperative Market. It is co-sponsored by the Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County and the city of Ithaca.

After the success of last year's event, planners are expecting another large turnout and a day of exciting activities and discussion. For more information, contact the Cornell Public Service Center at (607) 255-1148.

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