A week delay didn’t stop the Manhattan MLK Community Festival from celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Among the presentations Saturday at the Manhattan Arts Center was an awards ceremony for the students who submitted art and writing for the yearly contest. Manhattan MLK Memorial Committee Chair Kevin Bryant explains how the contest works.
This year’s theme was explained by Education Director for the Manhattan Arts Center Susanne Glymour.
“Quilting and sewing are my main forms of therapy,” said Dr. Patricia Dozier on Saturday during the Martin Luther King Jr. community celebration. Dozier was one of three featured artists who have their quilts displayed in the “Beyond the Fabric and the Thread” exhibit at the Manhattan Arts Center.
Another featured artist, Montika Allen-Atkinson, had this to say about her quilts.
The exhibit is currently open for viewing and will remain on display until February 9.
Attendees ranged from sororities to elementary students – representing all of Manhattan’s diverse culture. Speakers Dr. JohnElla Holmes and Latania Marr Y Ortega were unable to attend due to the one week delay. Ortega was set to present the 2024 Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Award to the late Kansas State University faculty athletics representative BeEtta Stoney, who passed away in September. Stoney served as the university’s interim Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer from May 2021-Oct. 2022, as well as an associate professor of curriculum and instruction in the College of Education. Stoney was with K-State from 2000 until her passing.
