Youth from the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) recently joined Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser, City Year and approximately 400 corporate volunteers and students of all ages for a day of celebration and service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Promoted throughout the District as “A day ON, not a day OFF,” DPR youth worked on a beautification project at Roosevelt Senior High School in Northwest Washington that included painting a mural of noted African American author Langston Hughes and of his quote, “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
Clark E. Ray, director of DPR, stated, “This day of service in honor of Dr. King was an opportunity for our youth to celebrate his legacy, give back to each other, and realize the power of having a dream. I am grateful that DPR’s youth chose to honor his memory by spending a portion of their day in service to others.”
DPR staff on hand to assist the youth at this beautification project included Ward 4 Manager Evelyn Lightfoot, Takoma Site Manager Al Cook, and Emery Recreation Center Site Manager Sherman Nelson Jr.
Media Contact: MosesAlexander Greene, (202) 673-7684