MLK Day Celebration Unites Lake Worth
Lake Worth will honor the transformative power of Martin Luther King Jr’s dream, January 18th and 19th under the theme, United We Continue To Serve.
The commemoration will begin with the performance of Ebony Embers – Vignettes of the Harlem Renaissance on Sunday, January 18th at 3 PM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church (Lucerne Avenue and Palmway). The dramatic work for actor and trio (cello, piano & percussion) celebrating the lives of the great African-American poets, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen and Claude McKay as seen through the eyes of the great muralist and painter Aaron Douglas. The musical score includes works by jazz giants Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Billy Strayhorn, Thelonius Monk and Charles Mingus. Admission is free.
On Monday, January 19, St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 10th Avenue South and E Street, will host the Unity Interfaith Breakfast from 7:30 – 9 AM. Food is provided by donation and is free to the public. The program will feature music and prayers from twelve diverse faith traditions, including Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Bahá’í representatives.
The highlight of the day will be the 21st annual Candlelight March through downtown Lake Worth. Participants will gather at 5 PM at City Hall and parade down Lake Avenue to the MLK “Ball” Memorial. A brief commemorative program at the Memorial will recognize the progress that the City of Lake Worth has made over its 100 year history toward fulfillment of Dr. King’s dream of equal opportunity for all.
Following the March, a Fellowship Dinner will be enjoyed at First Baptist Church. The church is located at Second Ave. South and M Street, just a block south of the Memorial. Light entertainment is planned. The free dinner will provide an opportunity for warm fellowship across religious and racial lines in the spirit of Dr. King. Sponsoring religious and civic organizations will provide the food and beverages. Members of the general public are invited to help with the dinner preparations which will begin at First Baptist at 4 PM or to contribute a dessert.
Dr. King’s Dream encompassed the hopes and dreams of all Americans. Members of every racial, religious and ethnic group in Palm Beach County are invited to join Lake Worth residents in their celebration of the diversity of our community.
All events are free of charge to the public, sponsored by the City of Lake Worth, Kiwanis Club, Lake Worth Interfaith Network and the Lake Worth MLK Committee.