High School Students Join Community in Celebrating The Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King
Story by: Rob Kinch
School may have been closed but that did not deter students from devoting their free time to help their city honor the memory of the pioneering leader in civil rights. The commemorative event, sponsored by the Rahway Branch of the NAACP was organized by branch president Mr. Ronald C. McCray and Ms. Deborah R. Thomas, MLK chairperson. The day’s widely attended program began in Rahway’s Second Baptist Church and included welcoming remarks by its pastor, Reverend Dr. James W. Ealy, along with scripture readings and prayer. The Rahway High School Gospel Choir, directed by Ms. Michelle Price, performed two moving selections and, following a closing benediction by Friendship Missionary Church’s Pastor Reverend Allen Thompson Jr., community members joined in a march to the MLK monument for a formal wreath laying ceremony.
The march continued on to the Rahway Senior Center where attendees were formally greeted by Mayor Samson Steinman and Council President James Baker who both offered moving testimonials to the importance and contemporary relevance of Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights of all individuals. A special highlight of the program was provided by nine Rahway High School students who gave readings of portions of Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech in six different languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, Creole and Yoruba.
Also present for the ceremonies were members of the Moab Lodge #70 with Worship Master Brother Daniel Allen Sr., Sister Amelita B. McDowell, GWM Abigail Chapter #64 Order of Eastern Star, PHA and Post 499 Color Guards. To conclude a day of true community spirit in celebration, a closing prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Erika D. Crawford, Ebenezer AME Church.
(above) Rahway Mayor Samson Steinman extends thanks to High School foreign language speech readers.
(above) Senior Seun Akande delivers passage of speech in Yuroba (native language of Nigeria).
(above) Junior Sephora Delice delivers passage of speech in French.
Photos by: Joseph Mudrak
