Reed highlights MLK Day service, neighborhood community centers and cultural programming

Speaking from Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, Mayor Steven L. Reed urged residents to honor the meaning of Martin Luther King Jr. Day through service and community participation. He said Montgomery City hosts important weekend events and that local leaders will run many of the activities.

"It's about service. It's about the work. It's about the commitment," Reed said, adding the city must do a better job of organizing and encouraging younger people to attend and volunteer for MLK weekend events.

Reed also previewed cultural programming planned for early in the year, including a gospel fest, a jazz festival and appearances by noted authors in city libraries. He said Councilor Mitchell has proposed rolling out new programs through South Montgomery community centers and that the administration intends to bring services into neighborhoods: "We're gonna come to you, and so we're gonna bring the city to you, to your neighborhood, to your street, to your block."

The mayor encouraged residents to visit the church for tours of artwork and murals and to take part in upcoming city events. He did not provide detailed schedules, budgets, or formal program agreements during the conversation; those items were described at a program level.