The 37th Commemorative Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jr. Celebration that took place Jan. 15 in Elyria started with a march from Ely Square to the Elyria Performing Arts Center, where an educational program took place.
At 10 a.m., the temperature was in the single digits when the march started, but that did not deter dozens of people who participated to honor King, who led many famous marches of his own.
One of the marchers, Bobby Green said the turnout on such a cold day shows how dedicated people are to spreading King’s message.
“It shows you that the spirit is still alive, and people recognize that this is a cause that won’t go away,” Green said. “You just have to get up and do what you have to do to keep that message out there.”
Green said this holiday is vital to ensuring people continue to learn about King’s advocacy for equality.
“It means reinforcing the central idea that Martin Luther King brought forth all those years ago,” he said. “We have the same old problem, but we have new names for it.
“It all boils down to how we should judge a man by the content of his character, not his by his race, who his dad was or what church he belongs to.”
Elyria YWCA Executive Director Jeanine Donaldson joined the marchers after briefly considering staying home due to the frigid temperatures.
“I was thinking about not marching,” Donaldson said. “All I can think about is right now, we just have cold weather.
“But, back in the civil rights era when Dr. King was leading our dream, we had to worry about dogs and water hoses and beatings. This is the least I could do.”
Once the march reached the Elyria Performing Arts Center, a program began with numerous speakers and performers.
The Rev. Dr. Carl B. Small presented the invocation, which was followed by the presenting of the colors by local Army Junior ROTC members, the playing of the national anthem and the Black national anthem.
The focus of the indoor portion of the event was on elevating youth voices.
“It was so exciting to see so many young people out this morning and in here in this auditorium,” said recently inaugurated Elyria Mayor Kevin Brubaker. “We, as the current generation, must do more to elevate the next generation so that the progress does not stop or slow until the fight is over.”
Elyria Black Legacy Connection presented educational slides with the organization’s founder Ethan West leading the way.
The presentation highlighted Black Elyria history, including that of the first predominantly Black neighborhoods in Elyria in the 19th century.
There also was information on Elyria native Tuskegee Airman 2nd Lt. Ferrier H. White, who died in World War II.
Donaldson, who also received the Dr. Conley Community Service Award at the event, spoke about the YWCA’s work toward racial equality.
After she spoke, the Lorain County Urban League played a video featuring students in their Project Ready program.
MLK Day program at Wesley United Methodist Church focuses on young people
The theme of the video was for the students to respond to King's quote, "the time is always right to do what is right."
Many of the students talked about how that applies to the racial justice movement, but also how it applies to uplifting and taking care of themselves.
Lorain County Community College student Steven Furcron played a musical selection accompanied by an Eastern Heights Middle School student with vocals.
Elyria High sophomore Dekarion Wimberly, who also is a part of the Project Ready program, delivered a spoken word to wrap up the event.
Dekarion focused on the importance of remembering what King fought for and what it means to continue that fight.
"Dr. King's philosophy transcends the boundaries of time and circumstance," he said. "It challenges us to confront the shadows of hatred with the radiant light of love."
Dekarion urged young people like himself to continue working toward progress.
"Dr. King's dream wasn't just his dream, it was the dream of every minority in the nation," he said. "Today, we are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out that dream and making sure it is seen through our actions and thoughts."
