Several very big names join guest of honor Dr. Clarence B. Jones for the 18th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration this Sunday (January 14, 3 p.m., Westport Library).

NBC News anchor and co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY Craig Melvin will moderate the discussion. Violin virtuoso Kersten Stevens performs, while novelist, playwright and filmmaker Trey Ellis introduces Dr. Jones. Melvin and Ellis are Westport residents.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Ritchie Torres of New York will also speak.

“I couldn’t envision a more incredible lineup for what promises to be a memorable afternoon,” says Westport Library director Bill Harmer.

“The appearances speak to the remarkable life and accomplishments of Dr. Clarence B. Jones and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

The 18th annual celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, and the Westport Country Playhouse, as well as the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council, the 2 groups that hosted the inaugural celebration in 2006.

The celebration is free to attend (registration is highly encouraged). There will be a livestream available on the Library’s YouTube channel.

The day’s guest of honor, Dr. Jones, served as legal counsel, strategic advisor, and draft speechwriter to Dr. King from 1960 until King’s assassination inn 1968. He wrote the first 7 paragraphs of the iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.