The City of Glen Cove, in partnership with the Glen Cove City School District and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Commemorative Commission, will host the 42nd annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commemorative Program on Monday, Jan. 19. This year’s theme is “Dr. King’s Dream: Equality and Inclusion for All!”
Participants will begin gathering in front of First Baptist Church, 7 Continental Place, at 8:30 a.m., with a symbolic march starting at 8:45 a.m., weather permitting.
The march will proceed to Finley Middle School, where the formal program will begin at approximately 9:15 a.m.
The program will include welcoming remarks and greetings, followed by student and community performances, including a poem by Victoria Crosby, selections by the Glen Cove High School Select Chorale, Drumline, and Orchestra, and a special performance by the ESOTA Dance Company. The Glen Cove City School District is also exploring the revival of a district-wide Dr. King essay contest, with the potential to recognize student participants during the program.
“We must all stand up and speak out against injustice, especially injustices that threaten the guiding principles of equality and inclusion for all, and all means all,” said Sheryl Goodine, the chairperson of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Birthday Commission.
Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck emphasized the importance of the annual observance and its message of unity. “This program has long served as a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together in remembrance and reflection,” she said.
The event will include a Dr. King Day of Service, encouraging attendees to donate non-perishable food items to benefit NOSH, in partnership with AHRC. Donations may be dropped off at First Baptist Church or at Finley Middle School.
