WSHM from the Chihuly Bridge of Glass Native American beaded bags and beads color block Children enjoying the History Lab Time Connector The History Museum and the Museum of Glass color block Salish weavers in the Hall of History

CELEBRATE DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AT THE WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM

“Dr. MLK: From Slavery, 2 Dreams, 2 Presidency”

TACOMA–Jan. 2 – Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Washington State History Museum , with performances from a variety of artists and FREE admission to the museum all day.

From 2 – 5 p.m. on January 19, celebrate King’s dream with a past-to-present tribute of African American history. Programming will focus on how the African American community’s defiance of slavery and fight for civil rights culminated in the election of an African American president. This annual event is expected to bring in around 1,800 guests, as it does every year.

Harold Moss, Tacoma’s first African American mayor, will emcee the program. Moss recently co-curated the Tacoma’s Civil Rights Struggle: African Americans Leading the Way exhibit at the History Museum.

Join us as we pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with this program designed to inspire, enlighten, and invoke the dreams of a nation!

PERFORMERS

Henry Foss Gospel Choir will lead the festivities with uplifting songs of praise. The 2008-9 gospel group, founded by Mya Washington, is made up of seventeen members ranging from freshmen to seniors from all backgrounds. These students participate in church choirs all around Tacoma, and have joined together to bring their positive energy to their school.

Seattle’s acclaimed folk teller, Eva Abrahm, will present an engaging monologue of the African American slavery experience, through the perspective of a slave. Abrahm is an educator of African American history in Seattle.

Tacoma’s own hip-hop and spoken-word artist, Josh Rizeberg, will perform an electrifying new spoken-word piece in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rizeberg is a lyrical activist, and will release his debut CD “Spoken Worlds” in May.

Silent Praize Mini Mimers will perform a high-energy, silent gospel performance using creative movement and gestures to convey the gospel experience. Mini Mimers are a group of 8-13 year old students from Emmanuel Apostolic Church who use the art of mime to praise and glorify.

The Brick City Krump Dancers use music and dance to tell the story of the ancestor’s tribal world, to invoke the passion and fury of inner-city youth, and to redirect the anger of history into a beauty of movement.

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High resolution photos are available on our online image gallery, or upon request from Marketing, public relations coordinator.

About the Washington State History Museum
The Washington State History Museum, flagship of the Washington State Historical Society, is located at 1911 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma, just off 1-5. The Washington State History Museum presents exhibits, programs and events that bring Washington's history to life. The Washington State Historical Society has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and vividly presenting Washington's rich and varied history since 1891.

HOURS - Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with extended hours and FREE admission every third Thursday from 2 - 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

ADMISSION -
$8 for adults; $7 for seniors, age 60 and above; $6 for students and military with valid ID; children, age 5 and below, and members are always FREE.

CONTACT –
1-888-BE THERE, www.WashingtonHistory.org

Media Contact:
Marketing Office
public relations coordinator
Washington State History Museum
253-798-5877

Washington State History Museum Logo
1911 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 272-3500
1-888-BE THERE
(253) 272-9518 Fax
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