Puyallup will make history as our beloved community comes together for its first-ever community wide Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, hosted at Praise Chapel, Puyallup's historic Black church. This landmark event is an opportunity for neighbors, friends, and families to unite in the spirit of Dr. King's vision of justice, equality, and beloved community. All are welcome to join in this day of unity, reflection, and joyful connection.
Puyallup's first-ever community-wide
MLK Day celebration!
CULTURAL CONNECTION
Powered by Unity Spark Project
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday | January 19, 2026
PRAISE CHAPEL
Puyallup's Historical Black Church
519 3rd St. NE
Event Highlights Include:
Special Live Performances and Hands-On Activities:
Featuring:
Gospel Singers
Dancers
Spoken Word Artists
Art Experience
and More!
Guiding Coalition: The Leaders Behind the Movement
This celebration is co-created by an extraordinary group of leaders committed to building bridges and fostering unity across Puyallup. Our Guiding Coalition includes:
• Linda Saarela, Executive Coach & Master Trainer
• Belinda Moses, Writer & Owner, Hummingbird Farm
• Lyle Quasim, Moderator, Tacoma - Pierce County Black Collective
• Pastor Ronelle McGraw & First Lady Mary McGraw, Praise Chapel
• Lynette Winters, Praise Chapel – Community Leader
• Richard Lasso, Interim Superintendent, Puyallup School District
• Dr. Chio Flores, President, Pierce College (Puyallup Campus)
• Marlus Francis, Recreational Coordinator, Puyallup Parks and Recreation
• Cody Geddes, Director, Puyallup Parks and Recreation
• Deon Moyd, Recreation Supervisor, Parks & Recreation
• Lauren Adler, Puyallup City Council Member
• Carol Cochran, Volunteer, Puyallup Mainstreet
• Katie Condit, CEO, Workforce Central
• Jessica Dockum, Director of Sales, Homewood Suites by Hilton Puyallup
• Thushari Gooneratne, Community Manager, J.P. Morgan Chase
• Dr. Haggai & Mary Habila, Pastors, Living Spring Fellowship
• Elizabeth Lambert, Program Director, Dreams Work
• Chana Lawson, MLK Organizer/UW Alumni Services
• Renee McClain, CEO, Washington State Fair
• David Montevideo, Leasing Director, Cafaro, South Hill Mall
• John Scearcy, President, Teamsters Local Union No. 117
• Karissa Thompson, Community Manager, Red Canoe Credit Union
• Ned Witting, 2026 - 2028 Puyallup Mayor
Together, these leaders, representing cross-city solidarity, have united to create a day that reflects the beauty of our diversity and the strength of our shared humanity.