The Acworth Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department will host the 5th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Monday, Jan. 15, at Zion Hill Baptist Church.

The event seeks to unite the Acworth community and celebrate the achievements of the civil rights movement. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m., with a “unity walk” from Acworth City Hall to the church, where a ceremony will be held immediately after.

Every year, the ceremony is hosted in a different location in Acworth, with the hopes of increasing community involvement and educating children. According to Recreation Coordinator Mychal Lewis, Acworth residents usually fill the seats, with only standing room available for late-comers.

“We believe the the strength of our future lies within our youth so we try to teach, mentor and encourage them in every way,” Lewis said.

The Martin Luther King Celebration began with an Annual Day of Service hosted by the Acworth Achievers mentoring and After School Program. The event has since evolved to include a full day of celebration, including a community service charity event after the ceremony.

The Acworth Achievers will be inviting volunteers to join them at Roberts School Community Center to collect charitable contributions for senior residents in an Acworth housing complex.

A list of needed donation items and more information about the event can be found at acworthparksandrecreation.org.