Sandy Springs’ annual celebration to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be virtual this year.
Since its inaugural celebration of the late civil rights leader in 2006, the event has evolved from tributes and humanitarian award honors to an art and film festival in 2020 that featured the Emmy-nominated animated film, “Our Friend Martin,” as well as art project activities for children.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, the celebration this year will be a online video with tributes by local children honoring King. Communications Director Sharon Kraun said a Ridgeview Charter Middle School string ensemble will perform during the tribute program. Visit sandysprings.ga.gov on Jan. 18 to see the celebration.
Mayor Rusty Paul said the holiday is an opportunity for people to listen and communicate with each other.
“We are combating two pandemics, one related to the COVID outbreak; the other, the insidious disease of racism,” Paul said in a statement. “While a vaccine will help bring the coronavirus under control, we have work to do to eradicate racism in our society.”
Late Wednesday, Paul commented on the riots and violence that took place earlier at the U.S. Capitol, describing it as one of the darkest days in American history.
“Sadly, we have leaders who have decided to step outside that tradition (of the peaceful transfer of power), advocate for an extralegal overturning of the legitimate decision of the American people, and appeal to a small minority bent on violence to disrupt one of the most important aspects of that transfer of power,” he said.
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