Sonoma SERVES, Sonoma State University's AmeriCorps program, is hosting its sixth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Poetry Night on Friday, Jan. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. at R.L. Elementary School in Santa Rosa. Children at seven elementary schools in Southwest Santa Rosa will read poetry, sing songs, and perform skits based on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.is message of non-violent social change.
The event will commence with guest speaker Reverend James E. Coffee from the Community Baptist Church. Reverend Coffee marched with Dr. King and has been recognized for his contributions toward human rights and community education throughout Sonoma County.
Students throughout Santa Rosa, including those in Sonoma SERVES programs, are also invited to participate in the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Poster Contest. A selection of the posters will be shown at the Children's Poetry Night, and the winners of the contest will be displayed in the lobby of the Luther Burbank Center of Performing Arts in Santa Rosa on Sunday, Jan. 16 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday celebration. Sonoma SERVES students are invited to perform at this celebration as well.
During February, the children's poetry, songs, and drawings will be compiled in a Sonoma SERVES Martin Luther King, Jr. book.
Sonoma SERVES is Sonoma State University's AmeriCorps program that serves students and families in the Roseland, Wright, and Bellevue school districts in Sonoma County.
The programs include daytime one-on-one tutoring sessions, after school programs that are educational and fun, and family programs that offer parents free ESL, GED, and parenting classes while children receive academic support.
For further information, contact Sara Fuller, Sonoma SERVES, (707) 664-3148.
