Once again a diverse group of people came together to celebrate the life and work of Dr Martin Luther King and discuss issues around racism. The Welcome Centre on Nottingham Street was transformed for the event with informative and artistic displays about the 1960’s civil rights struggle in the USA.
This year's theme ‘Equality’ was introduced by Dorothy Wilson and Dave Havard. Activities included singing, poetry, a bring and share supper, videos, dance and quotes from Martin Luther King speeches. Particularly appreciated were the ‘Second Step Caribbean Women's group’ who sang Dr. King's favourite song ‘Steal Away’ and the ‘Ellesmere Youth Project’ who sang a song they had written to challenge racism. Later, discussion groups let people talk freely about racism and whether Dr. Kings dream had come true in Burngreave.
The evening finished on a reflective note when Mrs. Carmen Franklin read from a speech Dr King made just days before he was assassinated. In the speech he reflected on how he would like to be remembered after his death.
The event coincided with the Martin Luther King Holiday in the USA. It is hoped to have another celebration next year. However, new ideas and people are needed! To have a say in what next years theme will be and what events could take place please contact Nick Edmondson on 07725 569 380.
by Jeff Kirby
“When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!’
Martin Luther King,August 28th 1963