King Observances

Celebrations honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the San Fernando Valley area include:

* First United Methodist Church will hold a “Youth Gospel Fest.” The concert, which will feature the youths of First United and several other area churches, will be held at 3 p.m. today at the church, 12550 Van Nuys Blvd., Pacoima.

* The Valley Interfaith Council on Monday is sponsoring a program entitled “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Our Future Dream.” The program will include speeches by Blenda J. Wilson, president of Cal State Northridge; Rabbi Akiva Annes of Temple Judea, Tarzana; the Rev. Vivian Ben Lima of the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and singer Geraldine Jones of the Baha’i Faith. The NAACP, San Fernando Valley chapter, and many churches and religious organizations will also take part. The Pacoima Mass Choir will perform. The program begins at 7 p.m. at Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ, 13333 Vaughn St., Pacoima.

* The San Fernando Valley Branch of the NAACP will celebrate King Day with music, dance, poetry and oratory Monday at the San Fernando Valley Boys & Girls Club, 11251 Glenoaks Blvd. in Pacoima. The 15th annual Martin Luther King Awareness Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

* Lancaster will hold a commemorative celebration at the Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd., at noon Monday. Speakers will include Lancaster City Councilman Henry Hearns and Maj. Gen. Roy Bridges, commandant of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards Air Force Base. Community choirs and the Antelope Valley Dance Theatre will perform. Free tickets are available on a first-come basis at the Performing Arts Center box office.

* Palmdale will celebrate the day with a program at the Palmdale Cultural Center, 704 E. Palmdale Blvd. The Antelope Valley Church of God in Christ choir and junior choir will perform gospel music. Carnetta Jones and Ronald Jennings will deliver dramatic readings and Palmdale Mayor James Ledford will make a presentation in honor of King. The program begins at 10 a.m. Monday.