Published in the January 15, 2016 edition

MELROSE — In celebration of the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the City of Melrose will hold its Annual Martin Luther King Day Dinner and Family Program on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016 at The First Congregational Church in Melrose. The event is sponsored by the Melrose Human Rights Commission and Mayor Robert J. Dolan in partnership with the Melrose Public Schools, the Melrose Clergy Association, the Melrose Alliance Against Violence, the Melrose Chamber of Commerce, the Melrose League of Women Voters and Hallmark Health.

“Today, perhaps more so than at any other point since the Civil Rights Movement, we find ourselves in the midst of a critical conversation about race in this country,” said Shawn MacMaster, chairman of the Melrose Human Rights Commission. “For as much as this national conversation is needed, we cannot lose sight of what history has taught us — that change is best sparked at the local level through the actions of ordinary citizens. Our annual program and day of service helps to keep Dr. King’s message alive and current through community education and volunteerism. In doing so, we are furthering Dr. King’s vision for a more tolerant, just and humane society where it matters most: in our own backyard.”

This year’s event highlights a collaborative effort between the Human Rights Commission and the Melrose Public Schools to prominently involve students in the annual program. Traditionally, the MLK Dinner and Program features a notable keynote speaker; this year the program will highlight instead the work and talents of students from across the school district. According to MacMaster, the Human Rights Commission teamed up with Melrose Superintendent of Schools Cyndy Taymore to sponsor a school-based essay contest about Dr. King. Four students, two from the elementary school level and one each from the middle school and high school, will be honored by the Human Rights Commission with first-place awards at the event and will recite their essays during the speaking program. Eight other students will be formally recognized with honorable mentions for their selection as finalists. In addition, members of the High School Chorus, led by Kimberly Piper, will perform at the event.

“The Melrose Public Schools is pleased to participate in the annual MLK Dinner hosted by the City of Melrose Human Rights Commission,” said Superintendent Cyndy Taymore. “The addition of this year’s essay contest focusing on Dr. King’s teachings and the performance of our high school chorus allows our students to share their appreciation of Dr. King and his impact on our country.”

The event is free and open to the public, beginning at 5 p.m. with a potluck dinner. Attendees are asked to bring a main dish or dessert for 4-6 people with ingredients identified. The family program, which starts at 6:30 p.m., will also include a musical performance by the Martin Luther King Day Choir and a Choral Reading of the “I Have a Dream” speech. Activities for young children will be offered by students from the Melrose High School Global Education (GEM) program.

DAY OF SERVICE ACTIVITIES

Earlier that day, residents are encouraged to volunteer for service projects across the City sponsored by local organizations. Activities include: a workshop to familiarize residents on the Melrose English Conversation Program and an introductory lesson on tutoring English language learners; socializing and activities with senior citizens; cleaning the Melrose Public Library; litter cleanup at Ell Pond and school grounds; preparing meals for families in need; assembling household essential kits for refugee and immigrant families; and the facilitation of MLK-themed activities for young children. The Day of Service is coordinated by Commissioner Ed Schmitt of the Human Rights Commission and supported by the following local organizations: the Melrose Public Schools; the Melrose High School Do The Right Thing Club; the Melrose Rotary Club; the Melrose Recycling Committee and Department of Public Works; the Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church; the Melrose Highland Congregational Church; the Melrose Family YMCA; Temple Beth Shalom; the Refugee Immigration Ministry; EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Melrose; Golden Living Center — Melrose; and Follow Your Art. All volunteers must register for service activities at the Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church at 70 West Emerson St. between 8:30 and 9 a.m. Volunteers will depart at 9 a.m. to service sites across the City. Coffee, juice and light breakfast will be provided at registration, compliments of the Melrose Family YMCA; pizza will be served at noon back at the UU Church.

COMMUNITY ART PROJECT

The Human Rights Commission has also partnered with Follow Your Art, an art studio on Main Street owned by Melrose resident Kris Rodolico, to host a community art project entitled, “The Diversity of Melrose.” The project occurs on the heels of a four-part series in the Free Press, a collaboration between the newspaper and the Human Rights Commission, that drew attention to the City’s changing demographics and the contributions of its foreign-born residents. Rodolico and her team at Follow Your Art will work with residents of all ages to develop a creative map of Melrose, illustrating the City’s growing diversity from the personal stories of residents. Participants may use small drawings or symbols; quotes; magazine pictures; book passages or family photographs to include on the map (submissions should be less than 5×5”). To participate in the project, residents may drop off their entry at Follow Your Art at 416 Main St. or at the Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church from 9 a.m. to noon on Jan. 18. Upon completion, the map will be permanently displayed at City Hall.

“The Human Rights Commission is thankful for the widespread support that we have received from the Melrose community in taking this year’s MLK Day further than it has ever gone,” said MacMaster. “From the business community to the faith-based community to civic and non-profit organizations, as well as our partners in City Hall and in the schools, this year’s MLK Day signifies a robust community effort to honor Dr. King, while demonstrating the tenets of his enduring message through service and unity.”

For more information about MLK Day events or to learn more about the Melrose Human Rights Commission, visit https://www.cityofmelrose.org/boards-and-commissions/human-rights-commission/ or https://www.facebook.com/MelroseHRC.