Martin Luther King Jr. Day events scheduled across the state Monday

Communities across West Virginia will hold events Monday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., including a Charleston celebration at the MLK Community Center and marches, dinners and services in Lewisburg, Clarksburg and on college campuses.

Several communities across West Virginia planned events Monday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In Charleston, the Charleston-Institute Chapter of The Linksm Incorporated will host a celebration beginning at 10 a.m. at the MLK Community Center at 314 Donnally Street featuring exhibitors, youth performances, a DJ, inflatables, a scavenger hunt, and food and refreshments. The Charleston event will also include a food backpack and book distribution, a tribute to the late Link Kitty Dooley, and presentation of African American Philanthropy in Action grant awards. Events planned across West Virginia: - Charleston: celebration at the MLK Community Center starting at 10 a.m. with community exhibitors, youth performances, a youth fun zone, and food and book distributions. - Lewisburg: gathering at the Greenbrier County Courthouse at 11 a.m., a march to Lewisburg United Methodist Church, and a lunch and program at 12:30 p.m., with remarks from Bishop Kathie D. Holland. - West Virginia Wesleyan College: annual dinner at 5 p.m. in the French See Dining Room with keynote speaker Danielle Walker. - Clarksburg: reception at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 5 p.m. followed by a prayer and unity service at 6 p.m. featuring James "JT" Thomas. - Davis & Elkins College: chapel event beginning at 7 p.m., with a related "Tough Talks" program on Wednesday focused on Dr. King. Summary: Organizers described the celebrations as centering youth, meeting needs, and highlighting service and collective action. Events run through Monday evening at several sites, and Davis & Elkins College will host an additional program on Wednesday.