On Monday, all around the state and throughout the country, people and organizations held observances to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
In recent years, MLKJ Day has become a day of service ”“ which, we imagine, is exactly the kind of legacy King would have liked to leave.
Here in York County, volunteers gave of their time and resources to offer a helping hand to those in need, through health screenings, chiropractic services and hair cuts; donations of goods like toiletries, underwear and socks; use of laundry facilities and showers; as well as serving breakfast and lunch at the First Parish Congregational Church in Saco.
Since 2009, the church has opened its doors on Martin Luther King Jr. Day ”“ with the help of volunteers and local service providers ”“ providing a host of free services to the community. The event has been dubbed the “Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: A Day On, Not A Day Off.”
Those in attendance said the mood was good and the opportunity to get a little extra help is needed and appreciated. One patron said she has returned year after year since moving to the area, while some newcomers said they were impressed by the generosity of those who helped put the event together.
Gov. Paul LePage echoed that sentiment, signing a proclamation declaring Monday as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.
“On this day, our state and nation remembers the life and work of a man who dedicated his life to ensure civil rights for all Americans,” LePage said in a prepared statement. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was committed to advancing equality, social justice and opportunity for all, and his teachings can continue to guide and inspire us in addressing the challenges of today.
“As we remember Dr. King, we are reminded of the many opportunities we have as Americans to give back to our communities on this holiday and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year.”
In Biddeford, the University of New England is celebrating a particularly special MLKJ Day, as it is the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to the city and the college for a two-day symposium, May 6-7, 1964. Back then, the university was called St. Francis College, and King was invited there by professors David DeTurk and Alfred Poulin who wanted to hold a civil rights symposium at the school. It was entitled “I have a dream ”¦ The Negro and the American Quest for Identity.”
Now, UNE is taking the opportunity to honor King and remember his legacy as well as examine continuing issues of equality, said Donna Gaspar Jarvis, director of UNE’s Office of Multicultural Affairs & Diversity in a recent interview.
On Monday the university hosted a MLK Jr. 50th Anniversary Celebration, which included the unveiling of permanent MLK Jr. artwork at St. Francis College Art Exhibit, music and songs from the civil rights movement, and the screening of the documentary film featuring King’s historic visit to St. Francis College.
Events are ongoing to mark the anniversary, for a complete listing, visit the University of New England website at www.une.edu.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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