KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – It’s been 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the famous “I Have A Dream” speech, and a community event will commemorate its anniversary on Monday, August 28.
The event will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park at 507 N Rose Street.
The community is welcome and encouraged to attend and will feature a series of speakers focusing on Dr. King’s vision, what has happened since the famous speech was originally delivered.
A number of dignitaries will be on hand to include City Commissioner Jeanne Hess who is set to emcee the event.
Speakers will include Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson, Assistant Public Safety Chief Victor Green, Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch NAACP President Wendy Fields, Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade, and Pam Roland of the Kalamazoo Junior Girls (who have been volunteering at the park since 1987).
“We celebrate Dr. King every January when we live his value of community service, but 60 years after his most famous speech, what has changed,” explained Hess. “We want this event to be a call to action, to focus on how we can create freedom, justice, and equality here in Kalamazoo and make the dream a reality for every person.”
Pastor Lenzy Bell of the Northside Ministerial Alliance will provide the invocation, and singer Rhea Olivacce Shabazz will perform.
“I hope our community will show up and be spurred to act. Enjoy the event, reflect on its message, and stick around to connect with friends and neighbors,” continued Hess. “A strong community is the foundation of what we must achieve, together and for everyone.”
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