Article Text
Reston’s 2026 celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will feature three days of service, music and community programs, culminating in a sold-out keynote address by scholar and author Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.
The 41st annual observance runs Saturday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 19. Reston Community Center organized the celebration around King’s vision of a community grounded in justice, compassion and equity.
Glaude will speak at 11 a.m. Monday in the Leila Gordon Theatre at RCC Hunters Woods. His work examines race, democracy and American life, and his books include “Democracy in Black,” “In a Shade of Blue” and the bestseller “Begin Again,” which considers James Baldwin’s relevance to contemporary struggles for justice.
The keynote and subsequent Community Luncheon are sold out. People without tickets may join a waiting list beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 19.
The luncheon will include remarks from newly elected Congressman James Walkinshaw and other elected officials, followed by a book signing. Attendees will also see the world premiere of the first two installments of “Building Community with Inclusive Leadership,” a docuseries produced in association with Storycatcher Productions.
Hosted by South Lakes High School graduates Jai Cole and Kia Cole-Hines, the series highlights people who helped shape Reston. Its first segments focus on the arts and local sports, featuring Beverly Cosham, Leila Gordon, Wendell Byrd, Bill Bouie and Andy Cole.
Service and music open the weekend
The celebration begins at 9 a.m. Saturday with a Day of Service at Reston Association Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive. Volunteers age 6 and older will work on projects supporting Cornerstones, The Closet and Reston neighborhoods. Participation is free.
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 will feature music by African American composers, Metropolitan Opera soloist Alia Waheed and selections from “Out of Africa” and “Wicked.”
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 in the Leila Gordon Theatre. Inspired by the symbolism of the new moon, the concert will explore growth, resilience and new beginnings.
Admission is $15 for Reston residents and $20 for nonresidents. In February, Allrich will bring the program to students at Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School through RCC’s Artist in Residence program.
Children get a refreshed hands-on program
Monday’s free Especially for Youth program will offer children ages 6 to 12 an interactive look at King’s life through stories, music, movement, games and creative activities.
Thembi Palmer of Imagine More Story Adventures will lead the workshop from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods. Activities will focus on fairness, courage, service and acts of kindness.
Lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required, although families may be able to register at the door if space remains.
The celebration is being presented with support from the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Cornerstones, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, The Closet, the Hunter Mill District supervisor’s office, Reston Association and the Reston Community Orchestra.