58th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones

NEWBURGH – The legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was not only remembered, but re-awakened on Thursday, January 15th as clergy, community members, and elected officials gathered at Ebenezer Baptist Church for the 58th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration sponsored by the Christian Ministerial Fellowship of Newburgh & Vicinity, Inc. (CMF). Through prayer, music, scripture, and powerful reflections, the service challenged attendees to move beyond remembrance and recommit themselves to the unfinished work of justice, unity, and service.

Musical selections were offered by the MLK, Jr. Celebration Choir of Newburgh & Vicinity and the Greater Centennial AME Zion Church of Mount Vernon, New York. The congregation also stood together to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome.”

The program was masterfully led by Elder Dr. Anthony Slade, Sr., who served as Emcee, guiding the service with reverence and precision. CMF Vice President Pastor Milton Stubbs recognized special guests and dignitaries in attendance. The invocation was offered by Chaplain, Elder Dr. Mary McLymore, who is also a newly elected Town of Newburgh Councilwoman. Deacon Nick Edwards delivered the Litany, calling the congregation into a moment of collective affirmation. Scripture readings were presented by Pastor Vanessa Lesane and Rev. Ron Truncali. A prayer for peace and unity was led by Rev. Dr. Nelson McAllister. A solemn Memorial of Silence was facilitated by Rev. Leslie Green, who read the names of CMF members who have passed away, honoring their legacy and faithful service.

Assemblyman Jonathan Jacobson delivered a stirring address, reflecting on what Dr. King would be proud of—and deeply concerned about—if he were alive today. He also urged attendees to remain civically engaged and never take the right to vote for granted.
“The Rev. Dr Martin Luther Jr, was never a president, a senator or even a congressman, yet he had as much to do as any elected official with the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act and such Dr King would be horrified at the dismantling of the 1965 Voting Rights Act by the United States Supreme Court and the failure of Congress to act. He would be quite horrified and fearful of the Supreme Court eliminating what is left of the Voting Rights Act,” said Assemblyman Jacobson who shared his favorite quote by Dr. King. “‘If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward. So, let us keep moving forward together.’”

The guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue, delivered a powerful sermon emphasizing faith, resilience, and the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He referenced Gen. 50:19-20 and Joseph’s story to illustrate how God’s favor and dreams can face challenges but ultimately prevail. Dr. Pogue highlighted the importance of honoring Dr. King’s legacy and fighting for civil rights in today’s world. He encouraged the congregation to trust in God’s promises, even when facing adversity, and to remember that God’s favor remains constant. The sermon concluded with a call to forgiveness and reconciliation, drawing parallels to Joseph’s reunion with his brothers.

“It is our opportunity now to once again revisit the dream that Dr. King had and make up our minds that although we are not there yet, and although we are not where we want to be yet, we can like Dr. King go to the mountain top and look over and see that there is a promised land. There is still a promise that God has made to us that has yet [to] come to pass… I believe that everything that God has promised me and has promised his people are going to come to pass,” Rev. Dr. Pogue preached.

Former CMF President Rev. Dr. Dollyann Briggs delivered the Statement of Purpose, reflecting on the fellowship’s enduring mission.

“The Christian Ministerial Fellowship of Newburgh & Vicinity is a Fellowship of Christian leaders united by the Holy Spirit in a common bond of faith. The Fellowship fully embraces the mandate of the Great Commission and seeks to communicate the love of God in Jesus Christ. As fellow laborers with God, we are called to advance the gospel of Jesus Christ by providing support to those who feel powerless, underprivileged, distressed, and underrepresented within the communities we serve. The Fellowship exists to engage the communities it serves,” Rev. Dr. Briggs said.

Founded in 1957 as the Ministerial Brotherhood, the organization evolved into the Christian Ministerial Fellowship of Newburgh & Vicinity, Inc., growing in both scope and impact. CMF was established to foster fellowship across denominations, address community challenges, advocate during elections, and serve as a moral voice for justice and equity. For nearly 60 years, it has remained a cornerstone of faith-based leadership in the community. It’s first meeting was held at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

“The CMF has been around for a long time and the founders are just about all gone… The fact that we’re still existing and able to bring the community together, and especially back at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where it all started, this was like the icing on the cake for me,” said newly elected CMF President Bishop Jeffrey C. Woody.

The CMF also provides financial assistance through $700 book awards to graduating seniors that are accepted to a college and are in good standing with their CMF church. Upcoming events include a Health and Wellness Seminar on March 29th at One Accord Christian Church and a Financial Literacy Workshop on May 24th at Baptist Temple.

As the service concluded, the congregation left reminded that honoring Dr. King is not limited to one day. It is lived out through service, advocacy, and love for humanity. Journalist Ms. Jones