Quantcast

Boro plans celebrations to honor birthday of Martin Luther King

Boro plans celebrations to honor birthday of Martin Luther King
By Ivan Pereira

The borough is set to host a wide variety of events in different neighborhoods to honor the work and life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The civil rights activist died more than 40 years ago, but several community organizations, including York College and the Queens Public Library as well as leaders such as Borough President Helen Marshall said his legacy will last for generations.

“Each year our county, our city and our nation remember the life of Dr. King and his powerful message of nonviolence and equal rights,” Marshall said in a statement.

The celebrations kicked off last weekend at York College with its 11th annual tribute to King. The college’s Community Commemorative Quilt Committee hosted an afternoonevent that showcased local artists and speakers who reflected on the civil rights activist’s teachings.

One of the event’s most popular sights is the numerous quilts created by community residents that show different images of African culture and history.

The event also had a keynote speech by the head of NAACP Jamaica branch, Leroy Gadsen, who talked with reverence about the black activist who was killed at the age of 39 in 1969.

“It was a wonderful speech. He said how we should honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Adoja Gzifa, chairwoman of Community Board 12, who attended the event.

Artwork from the event will be on display at the college until Feb. 7. The Quilt Committee also raises money for scholarships for York College students.

On Saturday, a day after King’s birthday, the Queens Public Library will host a Martin Luther King event at its Central Library from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. that includes a documentary film and a discussion on King. Marshall is slated to be on hand for that event at which Queens schoolchildren will read personally written letters they wrote to Dr. King.

“Youngsters of a new generation will again hear his words and have the opportunity to witness a critical time in our nation’s history through a documentary film about Dr. King’s life and the civil rights movement,” the borough president said.

Marshall will also be attending a similar event at the Langston Hughes branch in Corona Jan. 20.

On Sunday, state Sen. Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica) will be working on a community service project to help veterans in honor of the holiday. Free lunches will be provided to 100 vets at the VFW Post at 110-02 Merrick Blvd. at 1 p.m.

City Councilman James Sanders (D-Laurelton), will host his annual Martin Luther King event Monday at St. Luke’s Cathedral at 133-21 232nd St.

The celebration, which starts at 10 a.m., will take a look at how the nation’s black community has changed and improved since King and his fellow civil rights leaders successfully led their demonstrations against prejudice.

Reach reporter Ivan Pereira by e-mail at ipereira@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 146.