New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Mayor Jon Mitchell is pleased to join with the Greater New Bedford Area Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee in welcoming the public to attend the “Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Remembrance Celebration.” The celebration will be held on Sunday, January 14, from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church at 71 Eighth Street in New Bedford.
“This is an important annual event in New Bedford for our community to come together to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy, and his message of peace, unity, and understanding,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “It is a time for us to reflect on his message and further our endeavor to find common ground as Americans.”
Dr. King was an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement which laid the foundation for the theory and practice of inclusion and diversity in American society and around the world. Though he was assassinated fifty years ago, in 1968, Dr. King’s dream lives on, touching the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.
The theme for New Bedford’s 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Remembrance Celebration is “Let Our Voice Lead the Change,” and was selected by the committee as a tribute to the power of people to impact change and speak up against injustice through their respective voices – be it as artists, community leaders, activists, or other roles.
The 2018 keynote speaker will be Rev. Cordell Polk, Pastor of the United House of Prayer for All People in New Bedford. Pastor Polk was raised in Atlanta, Georgia and his life experiences at a young age were greatly influenced by the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Other program highlights include musical selections by the Deliverance Gospel Choir, along with Zan Morrisey performing vocals and acoustic guitar, Candida Rose, and the chorus from James B. Congdon School in New Bedford. The program will also include the announcement of the 2018 Annual Essay Contest winners—a special feature of the annual event for the last 11 years.
All are encouraged to attend the program. For more information contact Marci Pina-Christian or the Department of Community Services at (508) 979-1464.
