Jan 19, 2026

Youth anchored the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Junction City

Posted Jan 19, 2026 11:59 PM
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For the first time youth led the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Junction City. Keynote speaker Brewel Currie said that the dream that King spoke about was never meant to live in the past. "Youth are taking steps toward justice, unity and hope."

Currie noted that today must belong to our youth and speak up against injustice. "The dream is not history. It is destiny."

A large crowd attended the ceremony at the C.L. Hoover Hoover Opera House, which included music, remarks focusing on the need to vote and black entrepreneurship.

Prestigous awards were presented.

--Youth in Action Award to the Junction City High School's JROTC Blue Jay Battalion,

--The Jackie l. Johnson Spirit Award to Freddie B. Hurt

--Coretta Scott King Courage Awards to Melanie Hoyle Laster and Alice Curry-Johnson.

This was the 41st year for a Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony in Junction City.