In virtual MLK Day celebration, Story County keeps focus on youth, music Ames Tribune Due to the pandemic, the MLK Day Planning Committee initially questioned whether to host their yearly event honoring Martin Luther King Jr. "However, considering the violent protesting, civil unrest and racial injustice that is occurring in our country, the answer was a resounding 'yes,'" committee member Vanessa Baker-Latimer said Monday evening. "We felt it was important that in Ames, Iowa, Dr. King's message must continue and be louder than ever before." Observed on the third Monday of January each year, MLK Day is also a day of service, city officials acknowledged in their remarks.