DJ Riz Reflects on the Upcoming 18th Annual Expansions MLK Unity Party 1/14

This Sunday, KEXP's Expansions will host their 18th annual MLK Unity Party for an evening of music and dance to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Join Expansions DJs Sharlese, Kid Hops, Masa, Alex, and Riz as they soundtrack the evening and celebrate Dr. King's astounding legacy. Ahead of the event, DJ Riz shares some thoughts on the legacy and importance of this powerful event. Read his thoughts below.

We’ve had 18 of these babies. They would argue and get mad if I had to pick a favorite one or a favorite memory of just one. I love all my babies.

It’s a unity party, it’s a love party, and we are energized now more than at our privilege and opportunity to do this once a year. But now, this day, even as it seems the dawn of equality and justice are darkened by the clouds of ignorance, intolerance, and hatred on the horizon, we NEED to remind ourselves of who we are, celebrate where we came from, inspire each other for the places we’re about to go, if, for no other reason, we need to keep having these because we can. because we still can. Free at last, we dance because we cannot fly.

The MLK Unity Party goes from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Jan. 14 at Columbia City Theater. Freedom Education Project Puget Sound, Totem Star, and Lambert House are also partnering with the event and will be on-site showcasing some of their important work. Get your tickets now and RSVP on Facebook today.