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Huber Heights commissioners debrief MLK Day, outline service-day plans as member announces departure
Summary
At the Feb. 6 Culture and Diversity Citizens Action Commission meeting, commissioners reviewed outcomes from the Jan. MLK Day program, thanked volunteers and community partners, discussed making future events more service‑oriented and named possible memorials; a long‑serving commissioner said the Feb. 6 meeting was her last.
The Huber Heights Culture and Diversity Citizens Action Commission on Feb. 6 reviewed its recent Martin Luther King Jr. Day program, praised volunteers and community partners and discussed making future observances more service‑oriented as a long‑serving commissioner announced she was stepping down.
Commissioners and several residents credited schools, local nonprofits and the Chamber of Commerce for helping the Jan. 20 program run smoothly. “I just wanted to come and personally say thank you then congratulate you all on doing an excellent job with the MLK celebration,” resident Eva Newby told the commission, identifying herself with University of Houston High School.
The commission’s members said youth involvement and the educational components were especially successful. “I am so glad that we pulled that idea off,” Commissioner Christie said, referring to student participation and the event format.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they want future observances to balance ceremony with community service. That could change planning, volunteer assignments and partnerships for the city’s flagship January program.
Discussion and next steps
Members proposed adding a formal service day tied to the MLK observance in 2026, with morning meet‑and‑greet programming followed by volunteer projects such as food‑bank sorting, clothing drives or service at a soup kitchen. Commissioners noted potential partner organizations by name, including the Master’s Closet and House of Bread, which were mentioned as possible service partners.
A departing commissioner—identified at the meeting as Tara—said Feb. 6 would be her final meeting, citing increased work travel. “Unfortunately, this is my last meeting,” Tara told the commission. She urged members to continue the work and to consider expanding the commission’s role beyond festivals to help “the most marginalized groups” in the city.
Logistics and materials
Members raised several operational items to address before next year: posters used at the school were not laminated correctly and could not be reused; tables and floors at the school required better cleaning; and commissioners proposed more evenly distributed responsibilities so events do not rely on a small task group. Commissioners agreed to evaluate roles such as volunteer coordinator and communications coordinator ahead of future events.
Community recognition and archival materials
Speakers asked the commission to consider naming an MLK Day dinner after long‑time organizers Marvin and Lucille Dale and to capture video of future programs so former organizers and out‑of‑town residents can view them. Commissioners also thanked specific individuals who helped with the most recent program, naming teachers and local Chamber contacts who assisted in recruiting students and producing audio‑visual materials.
What’s next
Commissioners said they will discuss task assignments and a timeline for MLK Day 2026 at upcoming meetings. The departing commissioner offered limited continuing support by phone and email while reducing daytime availability.
Speakers relevant to this article: Eva Newby (resident, University of Houston High School); Portia Lay Lespair (resident); Christie (Commissioner, communications coordinator); Tara (Commissioner, departing); Mason Sutton (Chamber contact)
