By Lookout Staff

January 18, 2010 -- One of Southern California’s largest and most diverse celebrations of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will take place in Santa Monica Monday.

The free event honoring Dr. King's memory and his work to further peace will he held at 9 a.m. at SGI (Soka Gakkai International) Auditorium, 525 Wilshire Boulevard.

The multiethnic interfaith program includes inspirational readings, music, and presentations of scholarships.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Adena Loston, a former Santa Monica College administrator and president of St. Philip's College in Texas, the nation's only Historically Black College and Hispanic Serving Institution.

Immediately following the program, a Community Involvement Fair -- held nearby, at 606 Wilshire Boulevard -- offers refreshments and informational displays by a variety of community organizations.