White Plains Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is alive in White Plains as celebrations all over the city are occurring this week to promote freedom and equality for all.

Sheila Harris, a volunteer for Hope House in Port Chester, lead a march from the Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains down to the statue of King in front of the Sunday

“The CWA [Communications Workers of America AFL-CIO Local 1103] really wants to be a part of the comminty,” said Joseph Mayhew, of the CWA Local 1103. “we feel that labor and community are natural partners. When we heard about this event we wanted to be supportive. Our goal is to bring to light areas where we must be more fairer toward people. It’s important for the community to see us out there and know we behind the NAACP and all organizations that are also involved for equality and are looking for fairness for all people.”

Harris’ dream is to rid the world of the “n-word.” She plans to make the march an annual event, and hopes that it will grow in participation each year in honor of the dream she and King share. 

Read more about Harris’ dream and the history of the “n-word” and check out our video on the march.

hosted the Music of Freedom event presented by The Interfaith Connection—a group composed of various faiths who regularly meet in White Plains—and the Westchester Martin Luther King, Jr. Institute for Nonviolence—which seeks to educate local communities on the attitudes, skills and nonviolent strategies to create social justice, positive social change and racial understanding—as well as promotes the prevention and resolution of social conflicts.

Congregation Kol Ami’s Rabbi Shira Milgrom welcomed those who packed the synagogue. First Councilor of the M. Doretta Cornell, RDC was the mistress of ceremonies of the event, which include performances by: Shinnyo-En Buddist Temple

• Shinnyo-En Buddist Temple
• Choir of Congregation Kol Ami
• Inspirational Choir
• The Part-Takers of Little Mount Zion Holy Church
• Nasheeds
• Choir of

All joined together in a sing-a-long to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and “We Shall Overcome.” The Free Will Offering was given by Pastor Rev. Odinga Lawrence Maddox, while the bendiction was given by Rev. Patricia Gillman—both of Mount Hope African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church

Tomorrow, Crowne Plaza will host the 19th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast at 8 a.m. Click here to purchase a ticket. The focus of the breakfast is: “how is the dream relevant in 2012 and by beyond,” with the motto: Remember, Celebrate, Act.” 

will be hosting The’s concert event featuring The Senakwami Chorus and solo pianists from noon to 4 p.m., with a second concert from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. 

Everyone who makes a purchase at any on Jan. 16 and gives the bookfair ID, 10616605 when they make a purchase at the store or online, Barnes & Noble will make a donation to the MLK Freedom Library. 

The fundraiser raises money to buy books and films for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Library, which has unusual and important books and films for adults and children on subjects such as non-violence and anti-racism, Dr. King and other great peacemakers, African-American history and is free and open to the public.

Click for more information.