Maplewood and South Orange Celebrate MLK Day

"If Dr. King were here, what would he say?" asked Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League. The featured speaker at "Making it More Than a Dream," the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life sponsored by the South Orange-Maplewood Community Coalition of Race, posed the question to a large audience assembled at South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist Church on Monday, Jan. 19.

"What would his advice be?" continued Morial, a Maplewood resident. Morial, who imagines that King, who would be 81 years old this year, would be "a robust, seasoned citizen," had he lived. He noted society's "remarkable and important progress towards Dr. King's vision," but observed that much work remains to be done.

The audience, which included many local notables, agreed, calling out at times as Morial spoke. The afternoon's events began with Bruno Lee playing trumpet, followed by a medley of spirituals performed by Jason Asbury. 

Mark Mucci of the Coalition welcomed the audience by saying, "This is the best sight in the world." He introduced Executive Director Nancy Gagnier, who reminded listeners that the Coalition supports "intentional integration" as a means towards realizing King's legacy.

The Call to Celebration was given by Rev. Molege Desir, pastor of the South Orange-Vailsburg United Methodist Church. "I was born in Haiti," began Desir's remarks, as he expressed gratitude for the support and generosity offered to his homeland.

After rising to sing "Lift Every Voice," the audience heard three interfaith readings. Dr. George Edward Brandon was followed by Alice E. Baldwin-Jones, who read a prayer from the Ba'hai faith. "All shall belong to the same household," she read to audible agreement from her listeners. The final reading was from Rabbi Mark Cooper of Oheb Shalom Congregation, who reminded the audience that the moment to act on good intentions is now.

The Interfaith Outreach Committee of the Coalition coordinates this annual event. The co-chair of the committee, Rev. Leonard Santucci, pastor of the St. Paul AME Church in East Orange, introduced Morial, the speaker, noting that he was a past mayor of New Orleans and a graduate of both the University of Pennsylvania and Georgetown University.

Morial's address began with a reminder to consider the situation in Haiti. "It is so important to recognize that we are challenged at this time, at this point in history," he said. "We are challenged to do our part." As to those who might be skeptical about the role of individuals or nations, Morial put forth a challenge. "What would you want if it were you?" he asked.

Morial's question became part of his larger message, as he asked the audience to consider what our society has achieved, as well as what we still hope to see change, since King's lifetime. He contrasted the diversity he sees in boardrooms, in legislatures and in pulpits with the nation's rising number of inmates and low high school graduation rates. "There's more to be done," he concluded.

Music was provided by Voices in Harmony, and, after an affirmation that adapts the words of King's Nobel Prize acceptance speech, the closing and benediction was offered by the Rev. Sandye Wilson, rector of the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew and Holy Communion.

"I came today to celebrate Martin Luther King's birthday," said South Orange Trustee Janine Bauer. "I've admired him since fifth or sixth grade, and it's important to continue to understand that the civil rights movement is not completed." Her sentiments were echoed by others in the audience, as the group rose to sing "We Shall Overcome." A reception was held after the ceremony, with punch, baked goods and spirited conversation available to all.