From the Community Coalition on Race:
The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is hosting its 20th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance and Luminary Project on January 18, 2021 at 2:00 PM. This year’s event will be shared virtually via YouTube “Live” using this link https://youtu.be/hkh36SYKLm8. Everyone is welcome to participate—no account is needed.
At a time when our nation is simultaneously battling COVID19, economic challenges, and blatant racial injustices & inequities, the Community Coalition on Race’s goal for this year’s observance is to instill hope and sustain resilience locally. So, the MLK Planning Committee has chosen “Community in Times of Challenge and Controversy” as the theme for this year.
Together, our community will reflect on and celebrate the spontaneous events, expanded programs, social justice protests and rallies, and other efforts that held South Orange and Maplewood together throughout 2020. The virtual format will feature reflections on Dr. King’s legacy shared by Andrea McChristian, Law & Policy Director at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, along with, a CHS Special Dance Company performance, jazz by Gregory Bufford’s School of Music, spoken word, and premieres videos.
Traditionally, we sing We Shall Overcome together. This year, the singing will be led virtually by the MLK community chorus. The Observance will end with an invitation for the SOMA community to light luminaries outside at sunset (4:45 PM) following the program as a symbol of solidarity with Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community.
To purchase Luminaries, email MLKLuminaryProject@gmail.com.
Thanks to our sponsor of this year’s observance, the Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group. To learn more, please visit the website azhomesnj.com or the Facebook page here.
