Martin Luther King Day is a holiday that is too often overlooked in favor of other, more festive work-free days. However, the enduring spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his legacy of advocacy for African-Americans and minorities is something that continues to affect each of us. There are many celebrations and events to carry on the memory of this special person and the power of his dream.
In Amherst the Dr. Martin Luther King Committee is holding its 29th Annual Community Breakfast at the Amherst Regional Middle School on Saturday, January 19th from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The breakfast will include music from the choruses of the Common School and the Hope Community Church as well as a lecture by UMass Professor of History John Higginson. Tickets are available at the Jones Library, A.J Hastings and Global Cuts, and at the event reception table ($5 for kids 12 and under, $10 for seniors, $12 for the general public). The Amherst Regional Middle School is located at 170 Chestnut St., Amherst.
In Northampton there are several events over the weekend, all free and open to the public. On January 21st, from 12:30 until 3 p.m, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) will be hosting a nonviolence training, with an eye on youth training, honoring the spirit of nonviolence to which Dr. King was committed. The training will be at The Edwards Church, 297 Main St., Northampton.
There will be a MLK Community Breakfast and Dialogue January 21st from 8 a.m. to noon at the Christ United Methodist Church. Join the Northampton Interfaith Clergy, Smith College and AFSC for a breakfast and dialogue (RSVPs appreciated). 271 Rocky Hill Road (Route 66), Northampton.
The Northampton Interfaith Clergy, Smith College and AFSC will also be presenting a Multi-faith Celebration: Living King’s Legacy: Jan. 21, 3:30 to 5 p.m. The celebration at the Unitarian Society, 220 Main Street, Northampton will combine many traditions and will include music from The Nields.
In Florence, the AFSC will celebrate the day with a Sojourner Truth Walk: Jan. 21, 10 a.m. There will be a walking tour through Florence with Steve Strimer of the Ruggles Center. The walk meets at the Sojourner Truth Memorial, corner of Park and Pine Streets,.
For more information on the community breakfast, the multi-faith celebration, the walking tour or the non-violence training call (413) 584-8975.•
