Martin Luther King’s legacy of loving thy neighbor, judging others by the content of their character and a dream that all men and women could live together in harmony was celebrated and honored during a special ceremony Monday evening.
First United Methodist Church and the Eastside Community Group hosted the MLK Day celebration that featured scripture readings, music and several guest speakers. This includes Willie Finch who presented the message “did you know?” discussing some of the lesser-known facts and works of Dr. King.
Finch, a resident of Wichita, says his motivation for being involved in the Emporia festivities is simple: “respect” for the legacy of Dr. King.
Church of the New Covenant Pastor Chester Morris of the Eastside Community Group refers to Dr. King as a “gatherer” of others who inspired generations of activists such as himself. He recalled King’s greatest gathering at the Lincoln Memorial where he delivered his legendary “I have a dream” speech to the masses.
Celebrations of historic figures of color will continue into next month as Emporia State University’s Office of Diversity, Equity + Inclusion has a series of Black History Month events planned. The university will welcome motivational speaker “Backpack Jeff” Young on Feb. 1 and will host a Black Student Union fashion show.
The fashion show is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 24. For more information visit Emporia.edu.
