For the 29th year, King County employees and the public gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and to recognize our individual and collective responsibility to continue his important work. The theme for the 2016 celebration, held Jan. 14 at Paramount Theatre in Seattle, reflects Dr. King's belief that the greatest tool in building his "Beloved Kingdom" was the power of love:

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word."

King County Superior Court Judge Wesley Saint Clair, presiding judge of Juvenile Court, delivered the keynote address. King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Council Chair Joe McDermott also spoke at the event. Musical entertainment was provided by celebrated folk singer Naomi Wachira.

Please join us next year for the 30th annual Dr. King Celebration, currently planned for Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017.

KCTV Coverage of MLK Celebration