Federal Way holds 32nd Martin Luther King Jr. Day community celebration

Federal Way held its 32nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Celebration in January at the Performing Arts and Events Center, featuring a keynote address by Evan Cook and remarks from Mayor Jim Ferrell and James Rogers, chair of the Diversity Commission.

The gathering brought speeches and musical performances intended to honor the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to encourage local service and civic engagement. Organizers thanked the Diversity Commission and named Ron Walker as one of the event’s principal organizers. The program included remarks about Dr. King’s emphasis on nonviolence and equality and a call for ongoing community building.

Mayor Jim Ferrell said he was proud of the event and noted its place in local tradition, describing the program as among the best he has attended in more than two decades of involvement with the celebration. James Rogers, who introduced the Diversity Commission’s role at the event, told attendees the commission advises city government on policies, procedures and emerging issues that affect residents’ daily lives.

Performers included children and groups who led songs and readings marking the holiday; emcees and speakers also offered a land acknowledgement for the Coast Salish peoples. Event organizers encouraged attendees to consider volunteer projects and provided resources to support local service opportunities.

The celebration emphasized reflection and action: speakers asked the community to remember Dr. King’s writings, including references to his 1963 “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” and to translate that history into current efforts to advance equality and civic participation. Event leaders provided information on volunteer resources and next steps for those who wanted to get involved.

The program was framed as a civic and cultural observance rather than a policy meeting; no formal city actions or votes were taken during the event.