BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Metro Diversity Coalition will hold its fourth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Walk on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, to honor the legacy of MLK and promote healthy living all at once.
This year, the BMDC is partnering with the Birmingham Peace Project and Greater Birmingham Ministries to provide food for local individuals and families in need. Everyone is asked to bring non-perishable food items to the event, which is themed “Food365.”
“Local food resources have been impacted by the economy,” said Velma Williams, BMDC vice-chair and coordinator of the event. “Families have less to buy food with now, and the local food banks are low on inventory. After people are served meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas day . . . then what?”
Registration will begin at 10 a.m. on the day of the race. Walkers should arrive at the main assembly point by 11:30 a.m. for an opening ceremony, and the walk will begin at noon. The walk around the park’s loop is approximately 3/4 of a mile. The free and family-friendly event will also feature activities, entertainment, and a white dove release in honor of the late civil rights legend.
In addition, representatives from various local health organizations and agencies will be on hand during the walk to share information and educate participants about potential health risks. The annual walk brings together people of all backgrounds, ages, ethnicities, and walks of life from the city and its suburbs to promote harmony and peace. Businesses, families, community organizations, scout groups, school clubs, and faith groups are encouraged to participate.
Sponsors for this year’s event include Railroad Park and The Trak Shak.
The BMDC was established in 2007 as a nonprofit 501c3 and is carrying out its vision in the Greater Birmingham area to foster mutual respect and equality for all through advocacy, collaboration, and education.
For more information about the BMDC, visit www.birminghammetrodiversitycoalition.org
