2025 Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration
Angela Rye presents Keynote Address
RESTON, VA – Reston Community Center has consistently worked to embody Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community, prioritizing equity in its programs. This January, for the 40th consecutive year, RCC will celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of community events and reflections that honor his enduring legacy.
The 2025 community-wide celebration will feature Angela Rye as the headline speaker. She is a political strategist, lawyer and the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, proudly identifying as an “Empowermenteur.” Angela is well-known for her insightful commentary and advocacy work, having been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Vanity Fair and The Washington Post.
Previously, she served as the Executive Director and General Counsel for the Congressional Black Caucus during the 112th Congress. Additionally, she was the Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel for the House Committee on Homeland Security for four years. With over 15 years of experience in political strategy and social responsibility, Angela has collaborated with every branch of government at the municipal, state and federal level. The Keynote Address takes place at RCC Hunters Woods on Sunday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m., immediately followed by the Community Luncheon. Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.
“RCC kicks off each year with essential discussions on social justice,” asserted Beverly Cosham, Chair of RCC’s Board of Governors. “We are committed to uniting the community to foster empathy and engagement as we actively pursue Dr. King’s vision.”
The 2025 Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration includes a series of events, activities and projects where our community of all ages and abilities can get engaged. The following is an overview of the calendar of events:
Saturday, January 18
Community Service Projects
9:00 a.m., Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston
6 years and older, Free
Join friends and neighbors in honoring Dr. King’s legacy by serving your community. As Dr. King said, “Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve.” Special projects support Cornerstones, The Closet and Reston neighborhoods. To volunteer, please contact Ha Brock, at 703-435-7986 or ha@reston.org.
Reston Community Orchestra
“Annual Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
4:00 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods Community Room
$18 Seniors/$25 Adults, Free for Youth and Military
With music and words specifically chosen for this occasion, the RCO honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program will feature works by Duke Ellington, George Walker, Scott Joplin and William Grant Still. Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.
Sunday, January 19
Keynote Address presented by Angela Rye followed by the Community Luncheon 11:00 a.m., RCC Hunters Woods: the CenterStage and Community Room
$5 Reston/$20 Non-Reston; All Ages
Registration Required
Angela Rye, a prominent advocate for social justice, will deliver the Keynote Address. Known for her insightful commentary, she has collaborated with major civil rights organizations like the National Urban League and NAACP and has been featured in the New York Times. As the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies, she focuses on political advocacy and racial equity. Her presentation will provide a significant perspective on contemporary issues in honor of Dr. King’s birthday. Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.
“Generations Rise: Reston” – World Premiere
RCC Hunters Woods Community Room
At the conclusion of the Community Luncheon, RCC will screen the world premiere of “Generations Rise: Reston,” presented by the films’ Reston-based director Rebekah Wingert. As part of Ping Chong & Company’s “Undesirable Elements” series, this documentary explores the experiences of five Reston residents who share their stories of “unheard voices” in an effort to move our community forward in its pursuit of compassion and inclusion of all people.
MLK Birthday Celebration Especially for Youth
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods
6 – 12 Years Old, Free
Registration Required
Children rotate through a series of activities, which include a performance, age-appropriate video and arts and crafts, that are based on the history of Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Lunch will be provided. Children should be registered in advance. If space permits, registration is available at the door.
The Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration weekend is presented by Reston Community Center in cooperation with the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Cornerstones, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services, The Closet, the Office of Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, Reston Association and Reston Community Orchestra.
For more information, contact RCC’s Offsite and Collaboration Director Maggie Parker at 703-390-6164 or Margaret.Parker@fairfaxcounty.gov. To register for programs, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500.
About Reston Community Center
Reston Community Center provides a wide range of programs in aquatics, arts, enrichment and lifelong learning for all ages. RCC creates and sustains community traditions through special events, outreach activities and facility rentals enjoyed by all of Reston. For more information, visit www.restoncommunitycenter.com or call 703-476-4500.
Enriching Lives. Building Community.
# # #
