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black hostory monthThe City of McAllen has once again partnered with the Juneteenth community leaders, this time, to participate in a month-long list of activities in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. They started celebrations on Monday, January 18, and are continuing through Black History Month.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. was truly an inspirational man,” said McAllen Mayor Jim Darling. “In light of recent events, the celebration of MLK’s non-violent methods of protest are more important than ever, as is this quote by him: ‘We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’”

This year’s observation will feature events throughout the Rio Grande Valley, celebrating the theme “Building a Stronger CommUNITY Through Service.”

According to Dr. Ray Howard, one of the organizing members of the celebration, the activities will focus on the historical roots of the African-American community in the Rio Grande Valley, the cultural contributions throughout the country, as well as examining the political impact of MLK and its relevance today.

“In a community such as McAllen and the greater Rio Grande Valley, acknowledging our history, as well as forging ties with the community at all levels will lead to greater understanding and acceptance of us all as God’s children,” said Howard.

On Monday, February 1 through Friday, February 26, the McAllen Public Library, 4001 N.23rd Street, will host a variety of activities including a lecture series; documentary on the City of New Orleans with McAllen Public Library Librarian Julia Reed; “Food for Thought” with Nicole January and Chef Ty, a prerecorded program about soul food; and Children’s Story Time featuring a series of prerecorded readings of children’s African American story books. All events will be live streamed on Facebook, times are yet to be determined. The library will also feature an African American and MLK display.

That weekend enjoy a Drive-In Movie Night and Food Truck event with Chef Ty in the library parking lot. For more information, contact Esther N. Camacho at (956) 681-3066 or ecamacho@mcallen.net. Virus protection masks and social distancing will be enforced.

On Friday, February 26, a Black History CARaVan event will take off from Faith Fellowship Church, 600 S. 21st Street, McAllen and make its way to McAllen City Hall, 1300 W. Houston Avenue. The event will begin at 11:30 a.m. Once there, McAllen Mayor Jim Darling will lead a ceremony for the Texas Historic Bethel Garden Rededication Event. For more information, contact Village in The Valley at (956) 278-0873 or villageinthevalley.org. Virus protection masks and social distancing will be enforced.

The installing of the Texas Historical Marker for the “Callandret Colored School 1921” at Callandret Black History Museum, 305 Doherty Street in San Benito will take place on Saturday, February 27. The time is still to be announced pending the arrival of the Historical Marker from the State. For more information contact Sandra Tumberlinson at (956) 245-3998 or peppersdad2400@msn.com. Virus protection masks and social distancing will be enforced.

All events listed are either sponsored or supported by VIVA and are free and open to everyone. For more information, contact www.villageinthevalley.org.

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