The New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council presents Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration

The New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council presents a Martin Luther King Day Birthday Celebration at Global Learning Charter Public School, 190 Ashley Blvd, on January 15, 2017 1-4 p.m. Doors will open 12:45 p.m. for the public.

This free event for local youth entitled “Empowerment through Expression” will offer an afternoon of inspiration, poetry and music, refreshments, community service projects and a raffle. Youth are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item to donate at the door.

Special guest Carmo Barbosa and Tem Blessed will both perform original pieces and will then work closely with attendees inspiring them to create a group poem or song in the spirits of Martin Luther King. Following there will be a birthday celebration to honor Dr. King, transitioning into various community service projects for area homeless, veterans and foster children.

“We are looking forward to an afternoon of inspiration and fun, emulating the work of Dr. King and providing an opportunity for New Bedford area youth to make our community better for everyone,” says Angelica Nascimento, Celebration Co- Chair. Co-Chair Megan daCosta added, “We want to encourage youth to come together in celebration and creativity and work together to become leaders in their schools, neighborhoods and larger community.”

The City of New Bedford Mayor’s Youth Council was created in 1998 by the Mayor to be the eyes and ears of city youth in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and city government. The council assists city officials in the development of community projects from a youth’s perspective. The Mayor’s Youth Council in partnership with the City of New Bedford Office of Community Services is a program of the YWCA of Southeastern MA.