Article Text
Reston’s 2026 celebration of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will feature three days of service, music, family activities and community discussion, culminating in a sold-out keynote by scholar and author Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.
The Reston Community Center has organized local events around the national observance for 41 years. This year’s program runs from Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19, with activities for residents of different ages and abilities.
Glaude will speak at 11 a.m. Jan. 19 in the Leila Gordon Theatre at RCC Hunters Woods. His work examines race, democracy and the American experience, and his books include “Democracy in Black,” “In a Shade of Blue” and the bestseller “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own.”
The keynote will be followed by a community luncheon, remarks from newly elected Congressman James Walkinshaw and other elected officials, and a book signing. Although tickets for the address and luncheon are sold out, prospective attendees may join a waiting list beginning at 10 a.m. that day.
At the luncheon, RCC will also premiere the first two installments of “Building Community with Inclusive Leadership,” a docuseries produced with Storycatcher Productions. South Lakes High School alumni Jai Cole and Kia Cole-Hines host the series.
One installment focuses on the arts and features singer and actress Beverly Cosham and retired RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon. The other examines local sports through former South Lakes basketball coach Wendell Byrd, RCC Board Chair Bill Bouie and Reston resident Andy Cole.
Service and performances open the weekend
The celebration begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, with a Day of Service at Reston Association headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive. The free event is open to participants ages 6 and older, with projects supporting Cornerstones, The Closet and Reston neighborhoods. Volunteer inquiries may be directed to Ha Brock at 703-435-7986 or ha@reston.org.
At 4 p.m., the Reston Community Orchestra will perform its “Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” in the RCC Hunters Woods Community Room. The program includes works by African American composers, selections from “Out of Africa” and “Wicked,” and a performance by New York Metropolitan Opera soloist Alia Waheed.
Tickets cost $18 for seniors and $25 for adults. Admission is free for young people and members of the military.
Jazz vocalist, composer and educator Akua Allrich will present “New Moon Rising” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, in the Leila Gordon Theatre. Inspired by the new moon as a symbol of growth, resilience and fresh beginnings, the all-ages performance costs $15 for Reston residents and $20 for nonresidents.
Allrich is also scheduled to bring the program to students at Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School in February through RCC’s Artist in Residence program.
Children get a redesigned hands-on program
Especially for Youth will run from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, at RCC Hunters Woods. The free workshop is intended for children ages 6 to 12 and their families.
Thembi Palmer of Imagine More Story Adventures will lead a newly redesigned program using stories, music, movement, games and creative activities to explore King’s life and ideas. Activities will emphasize fairness, courage, kindness and service. Lunch is included.
Advance registration is required, although walk-in registration may be offered if space remains.
The celebration is being organized with the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Cornerstones, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, The Closet, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn’s office, Reston Association and the Reston Community Orchestra.