Membership on the Committee is open. Individuals become voting members at their second meeting of the year (see our Principles of Unity). The chair of the Committee is Larry Gossett. Mr. Gossett has been chair of the Committee for 11 years.

Every year the MLK Celebration Committee identifies a local issue facing citizens here in King County, the only geographic jurisdiction named in Dr. King's honor. Then we organize a campaign to draw attention to the issue. Each year, some 10,000 local citizens participate in one of the biggest and most racially diverse rallies and marches ever held in Seattle. This year's event theme was "JUSTICE NOW!Healthcare,Housing, Jobs and Education!"

Here are some of the themes from recent years:

• 2009:  YES WE CAN: Change Begins Now!
• 2008:  Let Freedom Ring: End Racism, Poverty and War!
• 2007:  Solidarity for Peace, Human Rights, and Economic Justice!
• 2006:  Racism, Poverty, War: Iraq, Katrina, No More!
• 2005:  Speak Truth to Power: End Racial Disparity Now!
• 2004:  March in MLK's Footsteps: Justice Begins at Home!
• 2003:  MLK's Call to Conscience:  Support the Poor, No More War!

The theme usually speaks to the need for justice in all facets of our society: locally, nationally, and globally.  Through workshops, a rally, and a march organized around this theme, we will keep the spotlight on our responsibility to correct the injustices in our world, from our criminal justice system to our public schools, to senseless military misadventures that threaten human rights and rob our communities of funds. This year's program will inform and empower those who attend.

This is the 28th year the committee will bring together people from every community and walk of life to commemorate the life of Dr. King.  We will begin to plan the 2011 celebration in October 2010.