“Dear Members and Friends,

Although January 15 is Martin Luther King’s actual birthday, Saturday morning in Bayfield may be where you want to be to honor his legacy and that of so many who have worked tirelessly for Peace and Justice.

In addition to the attached flyer, below is detailed information about what will be happening starting at the Park Service Building followed by a walk to the Bayfield School where inspiring and meaningful observances will take place:

MLK Journey to Justice Events at Bayfield Schools

Martin Luther King Day community events, Journey to Justice, Journey to Healing will take place in Bayfield on Saturday, January 18. The first event will start at 9:30 a.m. with an outdoor opening ceremony at the National Park Service building parking lot. This will be followed by a walk to the Bayfield School (please consider the icy roadway, wear appropriate foot gear and walk at your own risk). The healing vigil event (to be held indoors in the school cafeteria) will begin at 10:30 a.m. with Anishinaabe and African drumming followed by several observances, teachings, and sung, spoken, and danced prayers.

The vigil will honor those who have brought us into a more just world and will also hold observances for a number of marginalized and at-risk communities. Included will be observances on behalf of Water, Sky, and Land; Those Who Have Lost Their Homeland (Anishinaabe/Native Americans, people of African heritage, refugees); Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women; those in the LGBTQ community, those who are hungry, and those who are vulnerable.

Artists and members of the Island, Bayfield, Washburn, Ashland, and Tribal communities will gather for a brief ceremony at outdoor stations prior to a Justice and Healing Journey . It will also have brief teachings and sung, spoken, danced prayers. Guides will include: Anakwad (Frank Montano), Joe Rose, Rev. Nancy Hanson, Michael and Lea McKenna, Regina M. Laroche, Mother Tanya Scheff, Midge Montano, Rev. Rachel Baumann, and more.

The last observance will be on behalf of our country and world. There will be teachings about Dr. King’s idea that injustice for one equals injustice for all and about the indigenous idea of the web of interconnection. The event will end with invitations and pledges for further action and learning. Refreshments, service agency tables, voter registration information table, Harvard bias test, resources, and more will be available during the event.

All are welcome to attend. There will also be MLK Day events in Duluth on Monday, January 20. Please use these links to find more information:
https://decc.org/event/martin-luther-king-day-rally-3-2-2/ and
https://www.facebook.com/events/2544459038940990/.

Contact person: Regina M. Laroche - reginalaroche@hotmail.com

I am glad to report that members of the League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties will be on hand to register voters!

With best wishes,
Anne”

— Anne Chartier President League of Women Voters of Ashland and Bayfield Counties