KING WEEK EVENTS

Events to commemorate the Jan. 15 birthday of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. will take place throughout the city of Los Angeles this week.

Through Jan. 15

Read to Celebrate King Week--A weeklong celebration promoting reading, sponsored by the city of Compton. Books that include excerpts from King’s writings will be distributed to high schools and lists of suggested readings, book markers and coloring books on King will be given to grade schools.

Jan. 10

Interfaith Prayer Breakfast--The Rev. William Epps, pastor of Second Baptist Church, speaks at an 8 a.m. prayer breakfast at the Trinity Baptist Church, 2040 W. Jefferson Blvd. Fee for the event, sponsored by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, is $10 per person. For reservations call (213) 385-0491.

“They Paid the Price” Banquet--A banquet honors Compton’s Senior Citizens, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Dollarhide Neighborhood Center, 1108 N. Oleander Ave. A $15 donation is requested. Given by Compton Community College students to honor Compton seniors for their contributions to the civil rights struggle. For information, call Compton Community College (213) 637-2660.

Jan. 11-12

“Eyes on the Prize” Marathon--Excerpts from the award-winning series “Eyes on the Prize,” will be screened from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Compton Community College Student Lounge, 1111 E. Artesia Blvd. Free.

Jan. 11

Lecture--Acclaimed anti-apartheid leader the Rev. Allan Boesak gives a public lecture at 8 p.m. at Keck Theatre, Occidental College, 1600 Campus Road. The event is free, but seating is limited.

Jan. 13

Art and Essay Contest Awards Ceremony--Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph hosts awards ceremony at 1 p.m. at the California Afro-American Museum, 600 State Drive, in Exposition Park. More than 2,000 Southland students competed in this contest, which had the theme, “Achieving the Dream: Living Together in One World.” Free.

Festival--A family festival will be held at 11 a.m. at King Plaza, 200 W. Compton Blvd. The public is invited to bring a flower or wreath for the King monument. There will be food, arts and crafts for sale and musical entertainment. Free.

Jan. 14

Keep the Dream Alive Banquet--A fund-raiser, 5 p.m., Compton Lazben Hotel, 111 E. Artesia Blvd., to benefit the Compton Rotary’s scholarship program for Compton high school seniors. A play entitled “Greased, Fried and Laid to the Side” will be presented. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For information call (213) 639-1940.

“Voices: A Musical Revue of African American History”--A premiere performance co-sponsored by Fire Choir Production and the Florida A&M; Alumni Assn., 8 p.m. at Embassy Theatre, 857 S. Grand Ave. Tickets are from $15 to $22.50. For information call Ticket Master, (213) 480-3232.

Jan. 15

“From Atlanta to the Mountaintop”--Compton-based radio station KJLH-FM airs three-hour docudrama on King’s life at 8 a.m.

Golf Tournament-- Ninth annual memorial golf tournament, 8 a.m., Alhambra Municipal Golf Course, Almansor Park. For reservations mail checks for $35 to MLK Golf Tournament, 326 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 141, Pasadena, Calif. 91101. For information call (213) 681-8851.

South African Demonstration and March--Co-sponsored by Los Angeles Student Coalition and Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles, begins 11 a.m., old South African Consulate, Doheny Drive and Wilshire Boulevard, and ends at South African Consulate, 50 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills.

Kingdom Day Parade--Begins at 11 a.m., Crenshaw and Martin Luther King boulevards to Menlo and 39th streets. Grand marshal will be Los Angeles Sentinel Publisher Ruth Washington.

Birthday Celebration--Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison is keynote speaker. Westin Bonaventure Hotel, 404 S. Figueroa St. Reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $75, $150 and $300. For information call (213) 295-KING.