Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is co-sponsoring the 21st annual two-day family festival, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice on Sunday, January 15, 2017, from noon to 4:00 p.m. and Monday, January 16, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This FREE festival takes place at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Avenue, New Haven and will focus on environmental and social justice, civil rights, nonviolent advocacy, equality of resources and community enrichment.

“For two decades, DEEP has co-sponsored this Family Festival that celebrates the legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and recognizes his life-long actions and determination for social justice,” said Robert Klee, Commissioner of DEEP.  “Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Peabody Museum has become an annual tradition for families and children, providing two days of educational activities for families and people of all ages and backgrounds including performances by members of the New Haven community and from around the world.”

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental and Social Justice Family Festival has grown during the last 20 years, with attendance increasing from 1,400 visitors the first year to more than 5,500 last year.  Activities are for adults and children of all ages, including teens. For further information contact the Yale Peabody Museum at (203) 432-6646 or visit www.peabody.yale.edu/events

Teen Summit

Join us on Sunday, January 15 from noon – 4 p.m. for the 8th annual free Teen Summit event celebrating the legacy of Dr. King. In this interactive workshop, teens from all over Connecticut will come together to participate with dynamic youth leaders in an effort to promote social and environmental justice. The Teen Summit program will focus on the power of youth social activism and their role as advocates of social justice in their communities.  FREE pizza and certificates of participation awarded.  All teens are welcome to attend the workshop.  To register visit:  www.peabody.yale.edu/events/teen-summit 

The Community Poetry Open Mic is on Sunday, January 15 from 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. & Monday, January 16, from 11 a.m. - noon. The open mic gives people an opportunity to honor the spoken word of Dr. King by sharing original poetry or song.

Pre-registration is required for the community open mic at http://peabody.yale.edu/events/dr-king-s-legacy-environmental-and-social-justice-community-poetry-open-mic

The Poetry Slam includes well-known poets from around Connecticut and the United States.  The Poetry Slam is on Monday, January 16 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Background on Environmental Justice

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. strove to raise awareness about urban environmental issues and public health concerns that can disproportionately affect communities of color. While these issues have not disappeared, progress has been made in many places to bring such inequalities to light and to improve living and working conditions.

Environmental justice is based on the principle that all members of a society have the right to clean air, water and soil, as well as a right to live in communities where they can raise their families in healthy and nurturing natural environments. Further, environmental justice includes a guarantee of equal access to relief and the possibility of meaningful community participation in the decisions of government and industry.

The Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History thanks the following for their generosity --  Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, COMCAST, Yale African American Affinity Group, Yale University Office of New Haven and State Affairs and Subway.

Schedule at the Yale Peabody Museum

Directions:

By Car: In New Haven, Connecticut, take Exit 3 off Interstate 91 (either north or southbound) onto the Trumbull Street connector. Turn right at the second light onto Whitney Avenue. The Museum is located at the next light on the corner of Whitney Avenue and Sachem Street. Small visitor lot is located less than one block north of the Museum. Additional information about parking can be found below.

By Bus: The Yale Peabody Museum is on New Haven’s “J” bus route. For information contact CT Transit at 203.624.0151.

The Museum is located at 170 Whitney Avenue, at the corner of Whitney Avenue and Sachem Street, one block north of the intersection of Whitney Avenue and Trumbull Street.