The 2011 celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Farmington and Farmington Hills won't be just a day off.

Organizers of the community's annual celebration say this year's theme, "A Day On, Not a Day Off," reflects the opportunity to serve in the spirit of the legendary civil rights activist.

"The theme is to remember Dr. King and his monumental work," said Karen Bolsen, who chairs the Multicultural Multiracial Community Council (MCMR), one of the event sponsors, "but also for us to take his work as an example and build on it."

Throughout the day, an assembly line will be working in a conference room at the Farmington Community Library Main Library to create personal hygiene kits for homeless people served through the South Oakland Shelter. Event co-chair Tanji Grant said toiletry items will be sorted and placed in bags, then the bags will be decorated. She said local businesses, including hotels and dental practices, donated items for the bags.

Other service-related projects include a display to encourage organ donation and creating valentines for seniors.

As in years past, the event will start at 9:30 a.m., with a walk in the spirit of civil rights protests of the 1960s, Bolsen said. Walkers will gather at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Farmington Hills for the one-third mile trek to the library. Grant said police will help walkers safely cross busy streets.

Six years ago, Grant created program activities to draw in more young people, including a movie and a poetry slam. "It really worked to reach out to middle and high school students," she said.

This year's program includes a poetry reading and a performance by Harrison High School's dance company. Keynote speaker will be Josh White, Jr., a musician and educator, who will share the life story of his father, Josh White, a renowned singer, songwriter, guitarist and civil rights activist. 

In addition, storyteller Rosie Chapman, who performed for December's African-American Family Network's Kwanzaa celebration, will present a re-enactment involving civil rights icon Rosa Parks. The East Middle School Choir will perform, and there will be crafts for children and displays.

The variety of activities are designed to simply bring the community together and foster a better understanding, Bolsen said.

"While we can be tolerant of each other, it's important for us to learn about each other, because we were so segregated," she said of Detroit's stormy racial history. "We all have the same interest in the success of our region at heart.

"Learning about each other and building that understanding takes a long time."

Registration is not necessary for the "A Day On, Not a Day Off" celebration. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.