Reston Community Center (RCC) will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day for a 40th consecutive year with a full weekend of events and community service projects.
Set for this upcoming Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 18-19), RCC’s celebration will come after the actual anniversary of the civil rights leader’s birthday, which falls on Wednesday (Jan. 15), but precede the observed federal holiday next Monday (Jan. 20).
“RCC kicks off each year with essential discussions on social justice,” RCC Board of Governors Chair Beverly Cosham said in a press release. “We are committed to uniting the community to foster empathy and engagement as we actively pursue Dr. King’s vision.”
The centerpiece of the festivities will be a keynote address at 11 a.m. on Sunday by Angela Rye, a social justice commentator who works with organizations like the NAACP and leads the D.C.-based political advocacy firm IMPACT Strategies.
Rye’s talk will be held at CenterStage in RCC’s Hunters Woods facility and be followed by a community luncheon. Available through the community center’s box office, tickets cost $5 for Reston residents and $20 for non-Reston residents.
Previous keynote speakers invited by RCC for its annual MLK Day celebrations have included Rev. William J. Barber and author Heather McGhee.
Other highlights of the weekend include the Reston Community Orchestra’s annual musical tribute, the world premiere of a local filmmaker’s documentary and a youth-oriented celebration. Community members can also get involved in community service projects to support their neighborhoods and local nonprofits.
RCC’s full 2025 MLK Birthday Celebration schedule is below.
Saturday, January 18
Community Service Projects
9:00 a.m., Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston
6 years and older, FreeJoin 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 MilitaryWith 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 RequiredAngela 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 RoomAt 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 RequiredChildren 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.
