The National Civil Rights Museum's 2004 Martin Luther King DayCelebration promises a weekend with unique and educationalevents.
The National Civil Rights Museum has renewed its partnershipwith the Memphis Grizzlies in a continued effort to bring moreattention to the three-day event.
"This year's partnership between the Grizzlies, the City ofMemphis and the National Civil Rights Museum was brought tofruition to further the education of a new generation inunderstanding the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement on the worldof sports as it relates to basketball," said Andy Dolich, Grizzliespresident of Business Operations.
In addition to the Grizzlies, AutoZone and FedEx have signed onas sponsors of various events.
"One of the main reasons we extended the event was to includeone of our community's greatest resources, the Memphis Grizzlies,"said Beverly Robertson, executive director of the National CivilRights Museum. "We are going to continue trying to make each day aunique experience."
The amount of community involvement has surpassed theexpectations of the museum's officials.
"It's amazing," Robertson said of the support from localcompanies. "We never expected this much sponsorship. This is agreat chance for the Memphis market to gain national attention anda wonderful opportunity for local companies to get exposure whilemeeting their corporate objectives."
The three-day event begins with the Children and YouthCelebration from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 17 at the National CivilRights Museum.
The Grizzlies and National Civil Rights Museum Symposium beginsat 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cannon Performing Arts Center. This freeevent will feature professional and college basketball legends whowill discuss education, social change, and economicempowerment.
Sunday's event is also a tribute to the 50th anniversary of theBrown vs. Board of Education decision.
The National King Day Celebration takes place at the NationalCivil Rights Museum Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A $5admission fee includes a museum tour and special performances. At6:30 p.m., the Memphis Grizzlies and the City of Memphis willsalute the National Civil Rights Museum at The Pyramid.
The nationally televised Grizzlies vs. Rockets game includes aspecial "More Than a Game" halftime show featuring NBA and collegebasketball legends, Civil Rights activists and otherentertainment.
"We are continuing the theme from last year," Robertson said."Remember, Celebrate, Act."
