Reston Community Center Announces 2026 Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Featuring Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.
RESTON, VA – Reston Community Center (RCC) advances Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s powerful vision of a beloved community rooted in justice, compassion and equity. For 41 years, RCC has marked this national observance with programs designed to inspire reflection, foster unity and empower positive change. We proudly continue the tradition with a dynamic lineup of events that encourages our community to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
“Each year, the Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration events ignite vital conversations and serve as reminders of our shared responsibility to carry Dr. King’s legacy forward,” said Bill Bouie, Chair of RCC’s Board of Governors. “By fostering empathy and engagement, we’re building connections that strengthen our community and advance Dr. King’s vision.
Acclaimed scholar, author and educator Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr. will serve as this year’s keynote speaker to a sold-out audience on Monday, January 19 at The Leila Gordon Theatre at RCC Hunters Woods. Known for his sharp analysis of race, democracy and the American experience, Dr. Glaude will share profound insights into the challenges and opportunities facing us as we strive toward a more equitable society. Dr. Glaude’s notable works include the groundbreaking “Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul” and “In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America.” His bestseller, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” offers a powerful reflection on Baldwin’s enduring relevance to contemporary struggles for justice. His keynote will be followed by the Community Luncheon, with remarks from newly elected Congressman James Walkinshaw and other elected officials, and a book signing.
While tickets for the Keynote Address and Community Luncheon are sold out, an overwhelming testament to community interest in meaningful dialogue and engagement, those wishing to attend can join a waiting list starting at 10:00 a.m. on January 19. “We are overjoyed to see such enthusiasm,” remarked RCC Executive Director, BeBe Nguyen. “It’s heartening to know so many people in Reston feel inspired to come together, learn and take action to build a stronger, more inclusive community.”
RCC’s Especially For Youth program offers a completely refreshed and engaging experience for children and their families. This free interactive workshop explores Dr. King’s life through storytelling, music, games and creative activities. Thembi Palmer of Imagine More Story Adventures will lead the program, bringing an inclusive, creativity-driven approach that empowers participants and builds strong community connections. Families attending Especially For Youth will enjoy all-new content and activities designed to spark creativity, joy and meaningful learning.
The 2026 Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration offers opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to gather, reflect and grow. Here’s an overview of this year’s exciting calendar of events:
Saturday, January 17
A Day of Service
9:00 a.m., Reston Association Headquarters, 12001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston
Free; 6 years and older
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
“Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
4:00 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods Community Room
$18 Seniors/$25 Adults, Free for Youth and Military
Reston Community Orchestra opens Reston’s annual weekend honoring Dr. King, featuring music by African American composers, soloist Alia Waheed (New York Metropolitan Opera) and selections from “Out of Africa” and “Wicked.” Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.
Sunday, January 18
Akua Allrich Presents “New Moon Rising”
A Musical Celebration of Growth, Resilience and New Beginnings
3:00 p.m. The Leila Gordon Theatre at RCC Hunters Woods
$15 Reston/$20 Non-Reston; All Ages
Jazz vocalist Akua Allrich, a Washington, D.C. native, is celebrated for her remarkable talent and stage presence. A gifted performer, composer and educator, she has developed a unique musical style that captivates audiences and transcends genres. Her upcoming performance draws inspiration from the powerful symbolism of the new moon. Tickets available through the RCC Box Office.
In February, Akua will bring this cultural experience to all students at Langston Hughes Middle School and South Lakes High School as part of the RCC Artist in Residence program.
Monday, January 19
Especially for Youth 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., RCC Hunters Woods
FREE; 6 – 12 Years Old
Registration Required
A lively, hands-on workshop where families explore Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life through storytelling, music, movement and play. With games, activities and ideas for acts-of-kindness, participants are inspired to celebrate fairness, courage and the power of serving others. Presented by Thembi Palmer, Imagine More Story Adventures. Lunch is provided. Children should be registered in advance. If space permits, registration is available at the door.
SOLD OUT
Keynote Address presented by Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr. followed by the Community Luncheon 11:00 a.m., RCC Hunters Woods: The Leila Gordon Theatre and Community Room
$5 Reston/$20 Non-Reston; All Ages
Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr. inspires thought and dialogue around race, identity and democratic responsibility, making significant contributions to our understanding of these critical issues. His presentation will provide a significant perspective on contemporary issues in honor of Dr. King’s birthday.
“Building Community with Inclusive Leadership” – World Premiere
RCC Hunters Woods Community Room
At the Community Luncheon, RCC will screen the world premiere of the first two parts of the docuseries “Building Community with Inclusive Leadership,” produced by RCC in association with Storycatcher Productions. Hosted by South Lakes High School alums Jai Cole and Kia Cole-Hines, this series celebrates individuals whose vision and dedication have shaped the community, focusing on the arts (featuring singer/actress Beverly Cosham and retired RCC Executive Director Leila Gordon) and local sports (featuring former South Lakes High School basketball coach Wendell Byrd, RCC Board Chair Bill Bouie and Restonian Andy Cole).
The Reston Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration 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 Arts & Culture Director Paul Douglas Michnewicz at 703-390-6167 or Paul.Michnewicz@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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. RCC has been enriching lives and building community for more than 45 years. For more information visit restoncommunitycenter.com or contact us at 703-476-4500.
Enriching Lives. Building Community.
Media Contact:
Lorna Campbell Clarke, IOM
Director of Communications
703-390-6158
Lorna.Campbell-Clarke@fairfaxcounty.gov
