Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his call for justice, change, education, equality and service from 1-3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, in a free, family-friendly annual event at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA).
The event will feature performances by storyteller Eva Abram, dancer Franchesska Berry and the Vashon High School Wind Ensemble. To sate the appetites of those attending, the event will include small bites catered by noted chef Chantel Jackson’s company Thyme Well Spent.
An accomplished actor and storyteller, Abram brings folktales and myths of American history alive in her performances. She is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and a graduate of the University of Washington.
“I believe the power of storytelling is universal,” she said, in a bio listed on the website of Seattle Storyteller’s Guild. “I’ve been pulled into this world of storytelling and acting because stories have a magical way of showing us the beauty of each other’s culture and the beauty within ourselves. Through my stories, I celebrate our similarities — values, emotions, experiences. I also use stories to celebrate our differences — stories are bridges that connect culture to culture.”
Berry, as detailed on her website, thefeminineessence.com, is a talented performer, choreographer and international and intercultural arts educator. She specializes in dances and traditional cultures of West Africa and the African Diaspora, but her expertise extends beyond African-based forms. Berry’s comprehensive background influences her dance style in Western forms including classical ballet, modern, jazz, and improvisational dance.
The VHS Wind Ensemble, directed by Britt Dahlgren, is made up of 38 performers between 9th and 12th grade. The ensemble will play a program that includes some of the best-known songs from the Civil Rights movement.
Jackson is a private chef and owner of Thyme Well Spent, a catering company whose clients have included Amazon and Starbucks. Chef Jackson was cited by Washington State’s LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce as one of the “standout Black-owned restaurants and food businesses that are making a significant impact in the Pacific Northwest.”
Those attending the MLK Day event are asked to bring an unopened, non-perishable item to donate to the Vashon Food Bank. Learn more about making food or cash donations at vashonfoodbank.org, and find out more about the MLK Day celebration at vashoncenterforthearts.org.
