STEUBENVILLE — A special Martin Luther King Jr. Youth and Children’s Day event is planned from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Jan. 18 at the Sycamore Youth Center, located at 301 N. Fourth St. The event will celebrate the legacy of King by fostering unity, service and inspiration among local youths and their families, according to Bobbyjob Bauman, Sycamore’s executive director.

A morning full of engaging activities is planned. From 7 a.m. and 8:55 a.m., a student service project will offer the opportunity to give back to the community. From 8:55 a.m. to 9 a.m., a welcome and opening prayer will be held by Mistress of Ceremonies Michelle Gium.

Between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., a community pancake breakfast will be served, with fellowship and reflection. From 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., performers will take the stage, including hip-hop artists MoTruth, Elisha Fletcher and CBE 180, the Kingdom Kids Youth Choir sharing inspiring songs of unity and hope and the Mighty Disciples Mime Team, featuring the all-male mime team from Mount Zion Baptist Church.

From 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., a keynote address will be delivered by Angelita Forte, a teacher at Steubenville High School and coach of the girls’ basketball team. Forte, known for her commitment to empowering youths, will share a message to encourage attendees 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 James Baber, to inspire and engage our youth in meaningful ways.”

Sponsored by the MLK Association of Steubenville, ServeOhio and the United Way of Jefferson County, the event is free of charge and open to the public, with activities designed for all ages.

For information, contact the center at (740) 409-2986 or visit the social media channels at @sycamorecenter.