WS Chronicle

There were few, if any empty seats inside the Arts Council Theatre on Monday afternoon, Jan. 15, as hundreds witnessed local talent during the 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.

Produced by the N.C. Black Repertory Company (NCBRC), based in Winston-Salem, the annual event is designed to honor Dr. King’s belief that communities are filled with talented individuals. This year’s event featured more than 20 performances and included everything from spoken word to new age rock.

Before bringing performers to the stage, Brian McLaughlin, media director for the National Black Theatre Festival, said NCBRC is the only organization in the state that celebrates Dr. King’s legacy on his actual birthday. He said it was the vision of NCBRC founder Larry Leon Hamlin to honor Dr. King on the 15th of January each year.

“Our late great founder Larry Leon Hamlin wanted to make sure that happened. So let’s say thank you, Larry, and happy birthday Dr. King,” McLaughlin continued. “I am enthused about this years’ event. They have put on a wonderful show this year. It is going to be a show.”

Performers during this year’s show included: Headcase, a local rock band of local teens; The Pointe! Studio of Dance; Positive Image Performing Arts; the NCBRC Teen Theatre Ensemble; Greater Vision Dance Company; LB The Poet; Ruth Kelly; Kendall Evans; Joe Robinson; and others.