2008 Living the Dream: Let Freedom Ring for a New Day and a New Way
The 23rd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations
Tuesday, January 15 - Monday, January 21

California Opera introduces John Bauer's “The Promise”, based on the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., presented in the form of contemporary opera, as a collaboration between the Fresno MLK Unity Committee, City of Fresno Parks & Recreation, and the Fresno County Office of Education. San Francisco Baritone William Tull portrays the public persona, the powerful speaker and preacher, and the charismatic leader during the MLK Unity Committee events this month and for school children throughout February. Beyond the elements of great emotion, personal conflict, far-reaching social issues, and the ultimate tragedy, “The Promise” brings the incredible power of opera outside the concert hall into the lives of the members of the community.

FREE events introducing the work include beloved community speakers, spiritual leaders & other musical talents as part of the 23rd Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

Tuesday, January 15th at 6 PM
Reception at the African American Museum - 1857 Fulton Ave.
Informal meet & greet, along with entertainment.

Friday, January 18th at 12 Noon
Opening Garlanding Ceremony at the Fresno County Courthouse Park
(at MLK Bust) - 1100 Van Ness. Please bring flowers.
Keynote speaker: Dr. Larry Powell,
Superintendent at Fresno County Office of Education.

Saturday, January 19th at 8:30 AM
Community Breakfast at 8:30AM / Program at 9:30AM
Location: Clovis Veteran's Memorial Building. 453 Hughes Ave, Clovis.
Come enjoy food, speakers, & musical performances.
Tickets cost $5.00 each - along with your canned food donation.
Contact: Caroline Carlson (559) 324-2416 at Clovis Police Department,
Ed Bailey (559) 304-5772, or Gail Gaston (559) 681-3140.

Saturday, January 19th at 4 PM
All Faith Service Location: Cornerstone Conference Center - 1525 Fulton Ave. Enjoy beloved community speakers, spiritual leaders, along with musical program.

Sunday, January 20th at 5 PM
Candlelight Vigil, Community Speakers & Musical Performances.
Location: First Congregational Church - 2131 N. Van Ness.

Monday, January 21st at 9:30 AM
March and Food Drive will start at St. John Cathedral Church - 2814 Mariposa Marchers assemble at 9:30AM. March begins at 10:00AM, ending at the Saroyan Theatre. "Mountain of Food" will be collected at church.

Monday, January 21st at 11 AM
Commemoration Program. Location: Saroyan Theatre - 700 "M" St.
Please Join Fresno MLK Unity Committee for this inspirational program.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Contests
January & February 2008

Students have authentic opportunities to further their education in culture, history/social science, and related core subjects by delivering speeches, writing essays, and/or creating works of art. The events culminate with an art reception and program to honor the students and their work. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Committee joins Fresno County Office of Education; and Fresno, Central and Clovis Unified School Districts in co-sponsoring the events, which will be held at the Fresno County Office of Education, 1111 Van Ness, Fresno, this year.

MLK Art Contest
All school districts are encouraged to have their students, grades K-12, participate in the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by using a visual medium to express Dr. King's ideas. The integration of art and history not only helps students apply and retain their knowledge of history but also offers students with different learning styles an opportunity to succeed. Each school site may submit a maximum of 8 pieces of student work. Each participant will receive a certificate. Those judged Superior, Excellent and Honorable Mention will receive ribbons. Art work will be exhibited at the Fresno County Office of Education, from January 29th through February 22nd, 2008.

MLK Speech Contest
Students in grades 4-12 are encouraged to write and deliver an original speech, addressing the theme of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. contests. Each school site can submit 3 finalists per category for the FCOE contest. Speeches will be presented at FCOE on January 25, 2008, in front of a panel of judges who will select the winning speech from each grade category (4th-6th, 7th-8th, 9th-12th). The winning speakers will deliver their speeches at the Art Reception and Open House on Monday, February 8, 2008, and will be awarded a $100 savings bond.

MLK Essay Contest
All Fresno County students in grades 4-12 are eligible and encouraged to compete. Each school site can submit 3 finalists per category for final judging. Categories are grades 4-6, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12. Essays will be judged on content, creativity, connection to theme and communicative skills. Length of essays must be 100-300 words for grades 4-6, 300-500 words for grades 7-8, and 500-1000 words for grades 9-12. Each entry must have a card attached containing the student's name, essay title, school name, district, school phone number, school contact, and the grade level of the student writer. The winning essay in each category will receive a $100 savings bond, and the essay may be displayed at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Reception and Open House on February 8, 2008.

DATES
January 18: All essays must be submitted to FCOE (4th-6th; 7th-8th, 9th-12th)
January 18: Intent to Apply for speech due (4th-6th; 7th-8th, 9th-12th)
January 18: All art work due to FCOE, Rm. 149
January 25: Speech competition at FCOE—1:00 PM, Room 301
Jan. 29 - Feb. 22: Art work on exhibition at Fresno County Office of Education
February 8: Art Reception & Open House at Fresno County Office of Education 4:30 - 6:00 PM

CONTACTS
For Registration: Jeannette Moreno, (559) 265-3098 x3284, jmoreno@fcoe.k12.ca.us

For Information: Shirley Hargis, (559) 265-3060, shargis@fcoe.k12.ca.us

PLEASE CONTACT US NOW FOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCES and STUDENT PARTICIPATION in "The Promise"