Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Severance Music Center

On Monday, January 19th, we celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Severance Music Center. We attended the “MLK Open House and Day of Music,” a free event that welcomed people from all backgrounds.

According to the Cleveland Orchestra’s website, the event was “a festive and inspiring celebration of Dr. King’s legacy, featuring a full day of diverse, dynamic performances and interactive activities suitable for all ages.”

Performances That Honored Dr. King’s Legacy

The day featured many powerful performances. Participants included the 10K Movement Dance Clinic, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Chorus Chamber Ensemble. Several talented groups from local high schools also performed.

One especially moving moment came from Ms. Donna Willingham of the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers. She shared a touching story about a civil rights march, told from the perspective of a young child.

To make the day even warmer, guests enjoyed free hot chocolate and cookies—a welcome treat during the cold weather.

Dr. King’s Vision and Immigration Today

Dr. King did not often speak directly about immigration. Still, we believe he would support immigration reform that is fair, humane, and constructive if he were alive today.

This belief aligns with remarks made by his son, Martin Luther King III, during a speech at the U.S.–Mexican border in San Diego in August 2018. In his address, he described his father as someone who believed in building bridges—bridges of trust, respect, and opportunity. He emphasized revitalization over militarization as a path toward a better future for everyone.

Reflections from the Event’s Host

These ideas echoed the words of Brian Keith Johnson, who served as host for the MLK celebration at Severance. Mr. Johnson is a retired Akron Public Schools teacher and an accomplished baritone vocalist. He has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra and many other ensembles.

Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Johnson took time to speak with us. He described Dr. King as a “great pioneer” who helped bring people of different backgrounds together. According to Mr. Johnson, this ability to learn from one another continues to enrich the human experience.