Lockin planned to honor King

A common phrase associated with Martin Luther King Jr. Day simply states, “A day on, not a day off.” The city of Portales is trying to add a new twist to its recognition with a day in.

A lockin from Sunday night to Monday afternoon is the capper to a weekend of activities to pay respects to the civil rights leader.

The event follows Saturday’s schedule of events, which includes a community parade, a talent show and performances from various school bands.

“Every year we try to figure out something that may bring more people in,” said Veda Urioste of city hall. “We want to try to draw the younger people.”

The lockin begins 7 p.m. Sunday at the Memorial Building and is intended for children in sixth and seventh grade.

“We just thought we’d try something different, to gear it towards that age group. they’re in a learning mode and they’re our future. We need to educate them on how it was then and compare it to how it was now.”

Oscar Robinson is a member of the city’s cultural affairs committee. He’ll also marshall the parade on Saturday (which starts at S. Ave. O and runs to Abilene St.), emcee the lockin and help cook breakfast on Monday morning.

“Our main goal” said Robinson, “is to get the sixth- and seventh-graders to understand about love and how they can get along with each other and watch how more mature people have made it through their lives from youth to adulthood while having fun.”

The lockin will include various guest speakers, singers, comedians and movies. Also, games will be provided by various Eastern New Mexico University organizations.

For information on any of the weekend events, contact either Urioste at 356-6662, ext. 18 or Joan Martinez-Terry at ext. 12.