45th Annual Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. Birthday Celebration

By Jennifer L. Warren

BEACON – He would have turned 94 years old this year; 55 years ago he was senselessly gunned down for his beliefs. Despite the passage of time, the dire need for-critical importance of equality, justice, non-violence and love messages Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. passionately preached and lived by still resonate now, in 2023, more than ever.

The beauty of the man who dedicated his life to service and fairness for all people continues to be one of the cornerstone missions and events of the Southern Dutchess Coalition (SDC.) With deep roots tracing back to 1977, the seeds for the now widely popular event were planted on a frigid, icy evening in Barbara E. Baker’s home, where she was joined by a few other Beacon-based organization representatives, who decided to get together and pay tribute to MLK in some way. The fruits of that labor were once again on full display for the 45th year-after a two year Pandemic hiatus- as the MLK Junior Birthday Celebration returned to Beacon’s Springfield Baptist Church. Attracting an impressive crowd, the day kicked off with a warm welcoming just prior to the Annual Pete Seeger Parade. Amidst a crystal blue, sunny sky, about 75 people gathered, many holding signs bearing MLK’s image, his messages, as well as banners of local, supportive community organizations. Singing symbolic melodies, such as; “We Shall Overcome,” “Down by the Riverside,” and “Peace Will Prevail,” the joyful contingent- many holding hands- initiated their steps with an enlightening, distant image of Mount Beacon ahead, before making their way down Main Street, circling back to the Church.

The 45th Annual Southern Dutchess Coalition’s Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration kicked off with The Pete Seeger Parade, starting at Beacon’s Springfield Baptist Church, heading in the direction of Mount Beacon, up Main Street and circling back to the Church. The half mile walk included upbeat energy and singing, keeping MLK’s vision for equality, peace, kindness and love alive.
The 45th Annual Southern Dutchess Coalition’s Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration kicked off with The Pete Seeger Parade, starting at Beacon’s Springfield Baptist Church, heading in the direction of Mount Beacon, up Main Street and circling back to the Church. The half mile walk included upbeat energy and singing, keeping MLK’s vision for equality, peace, kindness and love alive.

“This MLK Parade is a true example of a community coming together as we march and sing for peace and unity, hand in hand and heart to heart,” said Mary Poppiins, a long-time Beacon resident as well as one of the day’s talent performers. “Walk in love, pray for peace.”

Once back inside, local dignitaries and other special guests were recognized. State Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson offered some opening remarks aimed at the iconic man being honored.

“What would Martin Luther King say about the world today?” challenged Jacobson. “Well, he would be proud of many of the advances that have been made, but would be upset by the continued hate crimes and other injustices that still exist; he would also be disappointed that many still take the right to vote for granted and would be disgusted by the dismantling of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.” Reflecting further, Jacobson added, “We can all learn from Dr. King that we can make a difference no matter how we choose to participate.”

After noting his favorite MLK quote (“If you can’t fly, then run, if we can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk, then crawl….”), Jacobson concluded, “Let us keeping moving forward, together, no matter what.”

Also addressing that power of unity was Lydia Wright, R.N. from Poughkeepsie who provided the “Health Alert” segment. Reminding guests to not only pay attention to their physical body needs, but so too their spiritual and mental ones.

“We have to change things every day cause that’s how we make things better,” Wright reminded attendees about how to keep MLK’s Dream alive. “Let’s use our gifts to make this life better, not only for ourselves, but our communities.”

Tangible proof of those community giants who are continuing to keep King’s spirit, messages, and dreams alive were also honored as part of the day’s program. Howard Goins, Reverend Ronald O. Perry, Sr., John & Priscilla Kelly, Senator Sue Serino, Wayne Griffin, Leman Anderson and Niomi Hart each were presented with special recognitions for their community service.

Several powerful musical selections by the SDC Massed Choir, talent presentations, an introduction of author Jeanette Shelton Briscoe, one of the original SDC Founders who wrote the autobiography FROM DUCK HILL TO FISHKILL, as well as a Celebration Service were still more key parts of this Annual Salute to MLK which for almost a half a century now has helped secure that his bright light of love, fairness and hope will continue to shine for many years ahead.