Published in the January 12, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Human Rights Commission, in partnership with the Wakefield Public Schools, is hosting a Unity celebration on Monday, January 16, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work promoting civil and human rights for all.
It will take place in the Galvin Middle School on Main Street from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The program will consist of:
• A presentation of the inaugural MLK service awards to a student (Maeve Conway), adult (Merry Eldridge) and organization (Counseling Services of Greater Boston) in Wakefield working to promote civil and human rights
• Poetry reading by Galvin Middle School 5th graders Mariam Diallo, Ismael Morales III and Hawa Sheriff, accompanied by Joel Villegas, Wakefield METCO Director
• Music from Wakefield High School students and a Wakefield Interfaith Chorus
• Speakers including Wakefield resident Mehreen Butt, Senator Jason Lewis, Representative Paul Brodeur and Rabbi Gregory Hersh of Temple Emmanuel
• Artwork in celebration of MLK Day from Wakefield area students
The program will run from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by refreshments in the cafeteria.
Food donations to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry are also being collected.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.