The Lakewood Arts Commission convened on November 4, 2024, to discuss plans for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) ceremony, with a focus on incorporating a spoken word performance into the event. The commission highlighted the importance of featuring diverse voices, specifically noting the participation of an African American woman poet who will present four pieces of her work, along with an original piece inspired by the theme of "Beloved Community."

The performance is scheduled to last approximately 20 minutes, and the commission members deliberated on the best time for her to perform, considering the event's reception from 5 to 7 PM and the subsequent city council meeting at 7 PM. A consensus emerged to schedule the spoken word artist to perform at 6 PM, allowing attendees arriving after work to enjoy the performance without feeling rushed.

The artist, whose name was not immediately available but will be shared later, was recommended by a member of the MLK committee, emphasizing the collaborative effort to bring quality programming to the community. The commission also noted previous attempts to secure another popular artist, Christian Page, but acknowledged that his rising fame made him unavailable for this event.

This meeting underscores the Arts Commission's commitment to celebrating cultural diversity and fostering community engagement through the arts, particularly in connection with significant events like the MLK ceremony. As the planning progresses, the commission aims to create an impactful experience that resonates with attendees and honors the legacy of Dr. King.