In memory of King's life
Published on January 21st, 2004
STONEHAM, MA - The Stoneham Town Hall was brimming with both diversity and reverence early this week as the Stoneham Against Racism and Hate Group presented their Fourth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-cultural Celebration.
"We're here to celebrate the life of a man that worked for, sacrificed for and appreciated acceptance of all different races and creeds," said Event organizer Cheryl Motley-Sanders. "Much has been done to promote Dr. King's life and his work to defeat racism and hate, but there is much more than can be accomplished."
The presentation included musical performances by talented vocalists Ron Hopkins and Mary Taylor, traditional hymns that brought each of the differing voices into indivisible harmony, and a speech by Stoneham resident Steven Gilchrist remarking on the life of King and his lasting legacy.
Gilchrist spoke of the lengthy and impressive body of King's work, and the history of the National Holiday named in his honor.
'The legacy of Dr. King's work is immeasurable to other human beings of African-American descent, as well as all of humanity," said Gilchrist, a sophomore at the University of Maryland.
Gilchrist added after his speech that he was impressed with the growth in the number of attendees at the celebration.
"There was definitely more people here this year, so that was nice to see after the work that we put in to hold the event," said Gilchrist. "We also are so grateful to the sponsors that helped us make this possible; they were so generous."
Selectman Tony Kennedy also attended the event, and spoke about the importance of King's idyllic "beloved community."
"Do I think that Stoneham is a beloved community?" asked Kennedy rhetorically. "Yes I do believe Stoneham is a beloved community."
Kennedy also added that there is also work to be done in the realms of understanding and tolerance, but that King had indelible effect on the lives of people from all different corners of the world.
Motley-Sanders herself sometimes forgets the days of hatred and bigotry that sullied our recent past.
"There are times when I almost forget that I lived in a time where I wasn't allowed to drink from a white water-fountain, or go in a white bathroom, or aspire to be anything other than a teacher or a minister," said Motley-Sanders. "We've come so very far, but there is still miles to go."
Motley-Sanders alluded to the institutional and corporate racism that still can rear its ugly head behind the closed doors of America.
"Why is that an African-American making a six-figure salary with good credit can still be turned down for a load from certain banks," said Motley-Sanders. "There are still social improvements we have to make in this nation."
Motley-Sanders also made sure to thank many of the corporate sponsors that helped make the celebration possible, including: StonehamBank, Stoneham Savings Bank, Shaw's Supermarkets, Stop & Shop, and Dunkin Donuts.
The Stoneham Against Racism and Hate Group can be reached at P.O. Box 80215, Stoneham, Ma. 02180, and their mission statement is listed as: To foster and build a community that recognizes, understands and appreciates racial differences; a community where everyone is treated fairly and with respect; a community where the citizens are empowered to confront intolerance and to value diversity.
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