Newport News Shipbuilding is hosting a number of celebrations in January to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The kickoff event, hosted by the O18 Culture & Engagement Office during all shifts, is the 10th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. Malik Whitaker, program director for USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), is the keynote speaker. The theme is “Mentoring the Dream: Building Together.”

These in-person events – which will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13 – are ticketed and open to all shipbuilders. Attendees must register in advance to receive a ticket. Events will be held at The Apprentice School (Bldg. 1919) at the following times:

• 5:30 a.m. (third shift)
• 11 a.m. (first shift) – In-person and virtual options
• 7 p.m. (second shift)

Transportation will be provided with a travel time charge. To register, go to the MLK Celebration page on MyNNS by Dec. 19. Supervisors must register shipbuilders who do not have computer access. First-shift shipbuilders with computer access are encouraged to register for the virtual option due to limited capacity for the in-person event. Those who register for the virtual event will receive a link to join the celebration.

MLK Basketball Classic

The Apprentice School Athletics Department is hosting the MLK Basketball Classic at The Apprentice School Gym (Bldg. 1919) from Friday, Jan. 15-Sunday, Jan. 18. Shipbuilders are encouraged to show support for the Builders while honoring King’s legacy.

Wrestling Builder Invitational

The Apprentice School Athletics Department is also hosting the Builder Invitational at the Old Apprentice School Gym (Bldg. 601) on Saturday, Jan. 17. Shipbuilders are encouraged to attend to watch athletes from over 15 schools compete in the spirit of sportsmanship.

VIBE ERG Community Service Event

To exemplify King’s legacy, the Vision, Impact, Belonging, Empowerment (VIBE) employee resource group is hosting a community service event benefiting the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank on Monday, Jan. 19. Look for more details about the event soon.

Email [email protected] or contact Christina Chapman (O18) for more information.