by Louisa Paushter
We began the year of 2017 with an evening that lifted the spirit and inspired hope. On Wednesday, January 11, 2017, the CCHRC honored Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy during its 24th annual celebration event. Choruses of all ages gathered with the community at The Fenn School to lift their voices in celebration of MLK, Jr., singing folksongs, spirituals, and gospel. Our host was Concord Carlisle High School graduate and Abby Fund member, Charisse Gilmer Alouidor. Performing musical selections this year were the Fenn Treble Chorus, the Willard 5th Grade Chorus, the Boston Children’s Chorus, spoken word poet Lisa Lee, and the Joyful Voices of Inspiration Chorus.
The Boston Children’s Choir performs at the Fenn School during the MLK event.
Spoken word poet Lisa Lee performs at the MLK event.
The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is a national day of service, with the hope that communities across the nation are inspired to engage in activities and projects that will “strengthen communities, empower individuals, bridge barriers and create solutions” to some of the nation’s most pressing problems. As a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King once said, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’” This statement bears repeating daily, particularly as many today face the same social issues King gave his life pressing the nation to address. From issues of justice and empowerment, love and peace, and issues of equality and poverty, there is much work to be done.
In 2017, let us consider how we might better serve our neighbors and our communities. Let us focus on love, with a plan of action that might meet another’s tangible need or need of the spirit.