Building bridges brings a community together, but it can also require risk and sacrifice to stand up.

Community members gathered on Jan. 15 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s theme was Building Community Bridges, a theme that was felt strongly by the Federal Way community.

The event was emceed by various members of the Diversity Commission, including Saudia Abdullah, who recently became the chair of the commission after spending a year participating on the board.

Katherine Festa shared a land acknowledgement, including a statement reminding the audience that statements like that are meaningless without action and partnership.

Keynote speaker Lawrence Garrett drew on his equity and inclusion work experience as the Chief Impact Officer of 828 Consulting and his community work over the years to invite people to embrace the symbolism of the bridge.

Garrett used the metaphor of the bridge to represent people who speak out for equity and inclusion and who speak against racism and other discrimination.

“You have to recognize that there’s a cost to building a bridge,” he said. “But somehow, we recognize there’s a value in connecting to different environments, to different communities, to different cultures,” and that the value this brings is “worth more than the cost to build it.”

He continued by describing the loneliness that can come from being a bridge stretched between two worlds, but countered that with the joy and unique perspective it can bring.

“We find joy, and love, in our view, despite oftentimes, being alone,” he said, adding that “when you think about a bridge, the bridge doesn’t really have any grounding. It is its own ground. And what’s sustaining it is its connection,” on either side.

In an interview after the event, Pam Ashe also reflected on her role as one of these vital bridges. As an educator, she said she sees the challenges faced by newcomers to the Federal Way community and to the country. Supporting all her students through that is “both painful and rewarding,” she said. “There’s over 100 languages spoken or spoken in our building, and it’s really hard sometimes … watching the newcomers try to adapt and fit in and be accepted.”

She said sometimes “you have to throw your curriculum out the window” to meet her students’ needs. They’re “living with a foot planted in two different cultures, on two different continents and two different moral codes, really.”

Natalee Saber, a Learning Improvement Officer at Federal Way Public Schools, spoke for Superintendent Dani Pfeiffer, who was unable to attend.

“MLK believed that unconditional love was not a passive acceptance, but a moral imperative to act,” Saber said. “Whether at a high school or an elementary, our buildings are living and demonstrating unconditional love and community acceptance through acts such as kindness campaigns, or scholars show kindness to others who words service and commitment to uplift those who need it the most. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that building bridges between communities was a key to achieving true equality and justice as we continue to work towards his vision through each interaction and connection.”

Mayor Jim Ferrell also spoke, sharing reflections on King’s life and work. He lauded the bravery it took to be arrested for his cause and on the “Letter From Birmingham Jail” that he wrote while incarcerated. While the letter was addressed to white clergy members who criticized his movement, Mayor Ferrell said “it was also meant for the great mass of Americans and the world. Those individuals that were sitting on the sidelines that were not involved. He wanted them to engage in his struggle and move from apathy to action, from silence to boisterous support.”

Youth also led the way, sharing a selection of quotes from King, performing both the “Star-Spangled Banner” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem. Youth from the Umaudalgbo Global organization also shared a dance, led by Diversity Commission member Chika Onyejiaka.

In the few moments where a young person was visibly hesitant on stage or had a momentary loss of words, the encouraging audience cheered them on. A soft swell of these voices from the audience even joined youth in “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on the last chorus.

The event honored former Federal Way City Councilmember and State Representative Roger Freeman, who died in 2014, and the impact he is remembered for in Federal Way. His daughter Ayana Freeman spoke about her father and memories she cherishes of him at home, including a time she remembers watching him watch MLK’s speeches.

The event concluded with a group rendition of “We Shall Overcome” as honored members of the community held candles representing a pass the torch ceremony.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror Family of the late Roger Freeman after the event. Daughter Ayanna Freeman shared memories and a song in honor of her father.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror Federal Way community members are honored by carrying a torch to light the community flame during the MLK Day Celebration held Jan. 15 at the Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror. A local gospel choir had the crowd on their feet shared song and praise at the MLK Day Celebration.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror A Nigerian dance troop led by a Diversity Commission member performed at the MLK Day Celebration.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang/The Mirror Diversity Commissioner Ron Walker speaks during the MLK Day Celebration.

Photo by Keelin Everly-Lang / The Mirror Each member of the Diversity Commission introduced themselves. They planned and hosted the MLK Day Celebration.