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.
Religion
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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
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