HONORING KING — Sycamore Youth Center Executive Director Bobbyjob Bauman, left, and the Rev. James Baber of the MLK Association of Steubenville, have partnered to present Saturday’s Youth and Children’s Day event. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Children throughout the area will have the opportunity to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life and how he sought justice in the world during a special Youth and Children’s Day event planned from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Sycamore Youth Center.

Sycamore Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman explained the event will celebrate the legacy of King by fostering unity, service and inspiration among local youths and their families.

The morning will be full of engaging activities, including a student service project in which participants can give back to the community. This event will take place from 7 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. At 8:55 a.m., mistress of ceremonies Michelle Clum will offer the welcome and opening prayer. From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., a community pancake breakfast will be served. Fellowship and reflection will be held during this time.

Between 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., performers will take the stage. Guests scheduled to appear include hip-hop artists MoTruth, Elisha Fletcher and CBE 180, the Kingdom Kids Youth Choir who will share inspirational songs of unity and hope and the Mighty Disciples Mime Team, featuring the all-male mime team from Mount Zion Baptist Church will perform.

From 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., a keynote address will be delivered by Angelita Forte, a Steubenville High School teacher and girls’ basketball coach. Forte is known for her commitment to empowering youths, and will share a message to encourage those in attendance to honor King’s vision of justice, equality and community service.

“This day is a beautiful example of how our community can come together to honor Dr. King’s legacy,” Bauman said. “We’re especially excited to partner with the MLK Association of Steubenville, led by the Rev. James Baber, to inspire and engage our youth in meaningful ways.”

The MLK Association of Steubenville and Sycamore have worked together for the last decade to raise awareness to the area’s youth about King’s legacy. Additional sponsors include ServeOhio and the United Way of Jefferson County. The event is free and open to the public, with activities designed for people of all ages. For information, contact the center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. in Steubenville at (740) 409-2986.