Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration & Day of Service in Ocean City
The celebration of DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.’S BIRTHDAY will start this Saturday, (Jan. 16th) in Ocean City. The yearly national celebration is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Hughes Performing Arts Center of the Ocean City High School, 6th and Atlantic Ave. A Soul Food Dinner will follow the program.
Ocean City hosted the first celebration of Dr. King’s Birthday in Cape May County 26 years ago and has held one ever since. The program will begin with introductions by City Business Administrator Jim Mallon, followed by a musical selection, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” There will be a scripture reading by Rev. Stephen Donat of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Invocation by Rev. Anna Livingston of Shiloh Baptist Church and greetings by Mayor Jay A. Gillian and elected officials.
Next will be a soloist from St. Paul Baptist Church, followed by reflections from Ocean City Intermediate School essay winners. The Spirit of Light Praise Team of Christ Care Baptist Church will then perform and there will be presentations honoring Michael Dattilo and Marion Davis. The program also includes a musical selection by St. Paul Baptist Church, a message from Rev. Darwin Ramson, St. Paul Baptist Church and the singing of “We Shall Overcome.”
Noted for his non-violent demonstrations and inspirational speeches on behalf of racial equality, Dr. King is now celebrated throughout the world. There is a memorial statue of the Civil Rights leader in Washington, D.C. and his reputation as an advocate for peace and understanding is constantly growing.
Ocean City’s celebration of Dr. King’s birthday was first organized by Rozelia Cobb, a popular teacher at the Intermediate School. Her early celebrations always involved young people. She thought it was especially important that that they learn about Dr. King and his message.
(Jan. 18) A DAY OF SERVICE will be held in Ocean City honoring the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Volunteers are invited t o participate in a City-Wide Cleanup and are asked to meet 9 a.m. at the Senior Center, 18th and Simpson Ave. All volunteers are invited back to the Senior Center for food and warm beverages.