FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date TK
Contact: Jeff Simmons, [email protected], (917) 673-0024, or Rachel Klein,
[email protected], (917) 209-9794
New York City Mission Society to Co-Host Martin Luther King Jr.
Birthday Celebration Event on January 16
(New York, N.Y.) – On Saturday, January 16, the New York City Mission Society will celebrate
Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday with an event to be held in partnership with the Harlem chapter of
the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity at Drew Hamilton Community Center.
Members of the community are invited to join high school students from the Center, one of the New
York City Mission Society's program sites, to commemorate the civil rights leader's life. The
afternoon will include a panel discussion, a film, refreshments, music, dance, and more. All are free
to attend.
"This event is meant to further enrich students' understanding of the civil rights movement and the
work of Martin Luther King Jr.," said New York City Mission Society President Elsie McCabe
Thompson. "When they hear about how he fought for equality right here in Harlem, it contextualizes
history and deepens their understanding of it by creating a personal connection."
Additionally, information will be available for students about careers opportunities with the United
States Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency, which is sponsoring the event.
What: Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
When: Saturday, January 16, 2016, 11 AM – 4 PM
Where: Drew Hamilton Community Center, 220 West 143rd St. New York, NY 10030
About New York City Mission Society
The New York City Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for more than
200 years. Today, our progressive portfolio of educational, restorative justice, cultural enrichment,
and workforce development programs make a positive, long-term impact on youth in the City’s most
underserved communities by promoting academic achievement, combating violence, and providing
career opportunities. Each year, we serve more than 13,000 children and families throughout New
York City with our programs, supportive services, and community events. Learn more at
http://www.nycmissionsociety.org.
About the Harlem Alphas
The Harlem Alphas have been serving the community since 1926. The fraternity was founded in
1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It is the first intercollegiate Greek-Letter
organization and the first fraternity to become interracial in 1945. We develop leaders, promote
brotherhood, academic excellence and encourage the highest form of manhood. We assist those of
lessor means to achieve higher social, economic and intellectual status via our “Go-To-High School,
Go-To-College”, A Voteless People is a Hopeless People and scholarship programs. Please visit us
at harlemalphas.org.