NEW ALBANY —
The Griffin Street Center in New Albany was packed Monday with city residents, elected officials and religious leaders, as they celebrated the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. together.
The event — titled “Dream Works” — was sponsored by Community Women for Unity and Equality, and the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department. Those in attendance sang songs, shared a soup meal and heard a message from Rev. Chad Hunter of New Dimensions Christian Church to honor King as part of the national holiday.
Religious speakers talked of unity and love, and an offering was collected to benefit Community Women for Unity and Equality. The organization provides scholarships for area youth and organizes community service events.
A goal of the organization for 2012 is to take a group of kids to see the King Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Rev. Anthony Toran said Community Women for Unity and Equality are answering one of King’s most pertinent and well known questions: What are you doing for others?
“They are playing a very important role in our community,” Toran said. “This group of dedicated women is helping keep the dream alive.”
Several city leaders including Mayor Jeff Gahan, NAFD Chief Matt Juliot and NAPD Chief Sherri Knight attended the ceremony.
Griffin Center was constructed as a segregated school in 1939. It is now used as a community facility that hosts afternoon activities for children, guest speakers and ceremonies such as Monday’s event.
NA-FC Parks Superintendent Roger Jeffers said it was fitting to have the ceremony at the Griffin Center because “it’s now open to everyone.”
Kathy Wilkerson, NA-FC Parks recreation director, attended first grade at Griffin Center. She talked about how valuable the center is for the neighborhood as her mother played piano for the ceremony.
“It’s just a great facility that’s loved by everybody,” Wilkerson said.
Celebrations
Related Photos
-
Rev. Anthony Toran was one of several speakers and commentators during the “Dream Works” ceremony Monday in New Albany. The event was sponsored by Community Women for Unity and Equality and the New Albany-Floyd County Parks Department. Staff photo by Daniel Suddeath
Related Links
Discussion
A night for a King: New Albany residents gather to celebrate MLK Day
- Celebrations
-
-
Welcome home
-
Local high school graduation dates set
Times and dates for high school graduations
-
Falls foundation director receives 2012 Minta tourism award
The award honors those who, like Minta, have displayed devotion and enthusiasm and who have created momentum in promoting tourism over multiple years with significant contributions to the tourism industry in Clark and Floyd counties of Southern Indiana, the Sunny Side of Louisville.
-
Earth Day encore: Falls of the Ohio event enjoyed by many
Emily Goldstein, a University of Louisville junior, set up a booth to talk to visitors about plastic pollution. She brought a sample of water and grime from the Pacific Ocean’s garbage patch — an area where human refuse that gets dumped into the ocean collects.
-
Super happy, fun day: Apartment leaders host festival, hope to engage youth
-
Little League parade
-
Purdue graduates 48 students in New Albany
-
Historic preservation expert will speak in Jeffersonville
Following the antique appraisal, a chili supper will be available at a cost of $5 per person, which includes drinks and dessert.
-
Earth Day celebration set for Saturday at the Falls
There will be free admission to the Interpretive Center and exhibitors and vendors with kids activities, entertainment, music and food.
-
1si announces award finalists
The finalists were chosen from an independent panel of judges based on criteria of business history, community involvement, response to adversity, newly created opportunities and innovation in products or services.
- More Celebrations Headlines
-
Defense Rests in John Edwards Trial
GM Says It Will Stop Paying for Ads on Facebook
911 Call: Confusion at Home Where Mom Shot Kids
Jury Convicts Steve Powell of Voyeurism Charges
Skechers to Pay $40 Million for Bogus Claims
Coffee May Be Key to Living Longer
Police to Groom of Slain Bride: Turn Yourself In
Laurie Fine: My Life Has Been Destroyed
FTC: Skechers Deceived Consumers With Shoe Ads
FBI Confirms Leak Probe on Al-Qaida Plot
Romney Calls Obama a 'Disappointment'
Honda Unveils New Robotics-powered Scooter
NJ Gov., Mayor Channel Seinfeld in Video Parody
Blood Drive for Woman With Flesh-Eating Disease
AG Race Tops Oregon Primary Interest
Obama Welcomes Beckham, Galaxy to White House
Raw Video: Mladic's Genocide Trial Under Way
Court Records Detail Zimmerman Injuries
Local Community Prepares for G8 Summit
New Guidelines for US Nuclear Plants
