53rd Annual MLK Commemorative Celebration
County of Morris
Songs, prayers and words of hope from clerics, community leaders and public officials highlighted the day-long 53rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration in Morristown on January 16, 2023.
The Martin Luther King Observance Committee, in collaboration with the Morris Area Clergy Council and the African American Clergy Association, hosted the annual event, beginning with an in-person service at the Calvary Baptist Church of Morristown at which Morris County Board of County Commissioners Director John Krickus provided remarks.
“This year’s theme, “From Dream To Action: Healing Our Divisions,” says so much; as what are words without action. Dr. King was one of the few who excelled at both … In addressing actions for the future, Dr. King said, “Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice,” Director Krickus said. “Ladies and gentlemen I would suggest there has never been a greater opportunity for us to come together, to develop and use our God given talents, to bend the arc of economic and social justice at a faster pace, so our actions can realize the dream.”
Dr. David A. Hollowell, Chair of the Martin Luther King Observance Committee, provided the welcome remarks, followed by an invocation from Monsignor John Hart from the Assumption Church of Morristown, songs from the Calvary Baptist Praise Team and a benediction by Pastor Jerry M. Carter, Jr. of the Calvary Baptist Church.
“Particularly in this time of pandemic affliction, political chaos, and social unrest, we believe that this is a great time to demonstrate that the important work of building a harmonious and loving community remains a high priority. To this end, we have adopted as our theme this year, “From Dream to Action: Healing our Divisions,” the Committee said in a statement about the event.
Today marks the 38th year that the birthday of Dr. King was commemorated as a national holiday. The Morristown service, which has become an annual staple in the Morris County community, was followed by a series of panel discussions that also were available virtually through the Observance Committee website.
Participants included U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and the Rev. Dr. David Jefferson of the Metropolitan Baptist Church of Newark, who provided the keynote address.
Courtesy photo
