Week of Martin Luther King celebrations continues

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2000 | 10:10 a.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated across the country on Monday, but in Las Vegas, the commemoration of the birth of the civil rights leader continues through this week.

Martin Luther King Jr., recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for his work for racial equality, was gunned down in Memphis, Tenn., in 1968.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Las Vegas began local celebrations, called King Week 2000, with a Gospelfest last weekend featuring music by local choirs and speakers.

Las Vegas poets and artists got together Tuesday night at the West Las Vegas Library Theater to remember King through their art. On Thursday a community forum will be held at 7 p.m. at the West Las Vegas Library Theater, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd.

A Martin Luther King Holiday Hoops Extravaganza will be held 4-8 p.m. Friday at the neighboring Doolittle Community Center. The Hoops Extravaganza will continue 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.

An honoree reception will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at Mandalay Bay.

The 19th annual Martin Luther King Parade will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday in downtown Las Vegas, and a banquet will follow at Mandalay Bay beginning with 6 p.m. cocktails and a 7 p.m. dinner.

A peace rally and car processional will be held at 8:30 a.m. Monday starting at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Carey Avenue. The processional will travel to the County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, for a free pancake breakfast that will include guest speakers, inspirational singing and awards to Martin Luther King parade winners.

For more information on the events, call 631-1913.