The Rev. Alfred Smith.
A virtual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy was observed in the Valley Monday (Jan. 17), with many pledging to continue the dream for equality, justice and peace.
The hour-long event held via Zoom drew more than 100 local church leaders, Valley and state elected officials, students, activists, and others who logged on to pay homage to the influential civil rights leader who would’ve turned 93 this month.
Monday’s event, organized by the Naugatuck Valley MLK Committee, featured a message of hope with a nod to King’s mission to spread love and to put service above self and fight injustice together.
While King prevailed in ending racial segregation in the 1960s, his mission to bring about racial and economic equality and put an end to discrimination to this day has not been realized.
State Sen. Jorge Cabrera, who represents the 17th District, said he came to know and appreciate King’s work while listening to his speeches in the car on cassette tapes years ago.
“This led to an incredible appreciation and admiration for Dr. King that resonates today,” Cabrera said.
Cabrera cited how King, despite living with daily death threats, having his house bombed, being attacked by dogs and having hoses turned on him and his supporters during peaceful protest marches, “refused to bend and yield to the darkness and evil in our country.”
In today’s climate, where a nation remains divided on many issues, such as voting rights, and hate often dominates headlines, Cabrera wondered how King would rise above it.
“We seem to be at each other’s throats; our country seems so polarizing and we seem to be losing our democracy,” Cabrera said. “We are fighting enemies all around. Voting rights just got shot down in the U.S. Congress. It seems there are Americans bent on making voting harder for people of color. This is a time in America where we are being tested. And I wonder what Dr. King would say.”
Cabrera cited some words from King’s ‘Loving Your Enemies’ sermon as a path to healing.
“It is love that will save our world and our civilization; love even for your enemies,” Cabrera said. “Within the worst of us there is some good. Discover the elements of good in your enemy; as you seek to hate him, find the center of goodness.”
Maliqa Mosley, chairman of the MLK Committee, said the committee has worked hard since its inception two years ago to spread King’s message. The state’s only second MLK bust was created and placed in front of Ansonia City Hall, along with various public forums regularly held to discuss policing, race relations and equality issues. The committee is currently working to find a location in Derby to create a mural dedicated to King.
“We want people to feel a sense of unity when they view this mural,” Mosley said.”It will also remind people how much work still needs to be done. But it’s going to take all of us to really better our communities.”
Mosley said the mural will cost about $7,500, and said donations are greatly appreciated.
Greg Johnson, president of the Valley Chapter of the NAACP, lauded Mosley and other young adults like her nationwide for being the driving force in making the Valley and beyond a better place through peaceful protests and making their voices heard on injustices, especially in the conviction last year of police Officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.
“You’re making our world bolder and stronger together,” Johnson said. “But the movement for racial justice is far from over. We are a country still struggling to end systemic racism and discrimination and voter suppression. We have said enough; enough to policy brutality, enough to discrimination, enough to inequality. Now is the moment to collectively stand up in the voting booths and make our voices heard. We must turn our attention to passing the voting rights legislation with urgency. Collect your frustrations, gather your anger, rise to your feet and vote.”
Rev. Alfred Smith of Macedonia Baptist Church praised today’s youth for making headway in the fight for social justice. He also envisioned how King would fight the pandemic.
“I believe Dr. King would encourage vaccinations, booster shots, wearing masks and social distancing; we will survive by working and praying together,” Smith said.
TEAM, Inc. President/CEO David Morgan encouraged folks to donate to the committee’s mission, as well as to establish an MLK endowment fund.
To learn more about how to get involved in further spreading King’s message, you can contact Mosley at 203 – 751-4044 or Morgan at 203 – 751-8680 or by email davidmorgan@teaminc.org.
People can also visit TEAM’s website where there’s a link to the MLK Committee, and to make a donation to the mural and establishment of a permanent Valley MLK Fund through the Valley Community Foundation. Morgan said the goal is to raise $17,500 (of which about $6,100 has been raised so far) for the cause.
Another direct option to make a donation through this link.
The Valley’s MLK celebration normally takes place at Ansonia’s Macedonia Baptist Church. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held for the second consecutive year online to ensure everyone’s safety.
