Austin celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Monday night at Riverland Community College.

The Austin Human Rights Commission and their partners present an evening of music, storytelling and drama at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18 in the college’s Frank Bridges Theatre.

“The program is light and family-friendly,” said Kirsten Lindbloom, chair of the Austin Human Rights Commission. “It is to celebrate our diversity, discuss human rights and learn about the greater legacy of Dr. King.”

The program will include performances by area students from Austin Public Schools and Riverland Community College as well as other community members.

Lindbloom said the 45-minute celebration will include music, theatrics and readings. The famous “I have a Dream” speech is only a small part of the event.

Rather, the evening focuses on a lesser-known suggestion of Dr. King’s: “Commit yourself to the noble struggle for human rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country and a finer world to live in.”

Lindbloom explained, “It is moreso an inter-generational piece that goes beyond his famous speech… It’s about students and community members coming together to recognize his legacy, examine where we are now, and keep moving forward.”

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the song “Children will listen,” from the play “Into The Woods” and scenes from the film “Driving Miss Daisy,” are integrated into the mixed-media presentation.

This event is free and open to the public.

Event Partners include APEX Austin, the Riverland Community College Global Education Committee and the Austin Human Rights Commission.

Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.

What: An evening of music, storytelling, and drama

When: Monday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m.

Where: Frank Bridges Theatre

1900 8th Ave. NW