On April 18, 1959, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a speech at the March for Integrated Schools. 

“Make a career of humanity,” he told the thousands of young people in attendance. “Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”

More than 60 years later, that “noble struggle for equal rights” continues. There has been progress, but it isn’t linear.

MLK was assassinated on April 4, 1968, but his work as a leading figure in the civil rights movement lives on.

The life and legacy of MLK will be honored by the Martin Luther King CommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area during the organization’s annual event at Lincoln University on January 20. The theme of this year’s event is “We still have a dream!”

The day begins with a fellowship brunch followed by a program with civil rights-inspired choir performances, readings from Dr. King’s sermons and letters, and a keynote speech by historian Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, a professor of Afro-American Studies, African American Religion and the Victor S. Thomas Professor of History and African American Studies at Harvard University. 

Attendees can also participate in the “Be A King” Volunteer Fair, which brings together local community organizations that will share information about how residents can volunteer to address needs in the community, to bridge social barriers, and to improve the lives of others.

Kudos to organizations like the Martin Luther King CommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area for helping to keep MLK’s dream alive.

As Dr. King said, we can all play a part in shaping a “finer world to live in,” and volunteering for or helping out community organizations that work to improve the lives of those in need is a good way to do that.                                                       

Tickets for the annual fellowship brunch and program can be obtained at the Martin Luther King CommUNITY of the Greater Kennett Area at www.mlkcommunity.org. The Volunteer Fair takes place from noon to 3 p.m.

Additionally, on Saturday, January 18, the Martin Luther King Jr. CommUNITY of  the Greater Kennett Area's “Change for Change" program takes place in conjunction with the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. Donations of loose change (or dollars) can be dropped off at the credit union from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All funds donated will then be used to support either the Kennett Food Cupboard or the West Grove Bridge Food Pantry. Additional details about this are also on the website.

Everyone is also invited to the Kennett Library on Sunday, January 19 from 1:30 to 3:30 for a free film and discussion about the civil rights movement. The movie is “My Name Is Pauli Murray.”  There is also a MLK Eve Worship Service at 4 p.m. at the St. Michael's Lutheran Church at 109 E. Doe Run in Unionville on Sunday, January 19. The service will feature the Kennett Community Choir under the direction of Leon Spencer.

It says something about this country, and this community, that MLK’s work and words still inspire us to take action.