As America celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the landmark Voting Rights Act, King County and its employees invites the public to join the County in its annual celebration honoring the life of one of the driving forces behind that effort, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The historic Paramount Theater will be the backdrop for the celebration. It is a free event and the public is invited to come join King County employees in recognizing the life of America’s foremost leader for Civil Rights and commemorate his vision of an America offering opportunity for all.

Author Maria Gitin, writer of the book “This Bright Light of Ours,” an oral history of the voting rights movement in 1965, will deliver the celebration’s keynote address. Other speakers at the celebration will include King County Executive Dow Constantine.

The celebration will include musical performances by the duo of Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons.

The winner of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Essay Award contest sponsored by the King County Civil Rights Commission will also be recognized during the event.

This year’s event is scheduled for noon, Jan. 15 at the paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., Seattle.