Community Corner

MLK Weekend Has Chances to Reflect, Continue King's Legacy

For three days before the nation honors Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy Monday during the 31st observation of his namesake holiday, Woonsocket will celebrate his ideals in word and deed.

Following the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, "I have a Dream," Aug. 28 during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom,the theme for this year's events is "Let Freedom Ring: 50 Years Later..." 


The Woonsocket MLK Committee begins the weekend with the J.W. Hinson & Community Scholarship Banquet Friday, 6:30 - 9 p.m. at Savini’s Restaurant, 476 Rathbun St. The keynote speaker, Kwanza Hall, an Atlanta, GA City Council member and representative of the MLK Historic District in the city. Hall's father once worked for Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, according to the Atlanta Daily World.

You can purchase tickets to the banquet for $25 at St. James Baptist Church or NWBRV’s office on 141 Olo St.

All job seekers are invited to the Woonsocket Career Fair Saturday, free and open to all job seekers, at Woonsocket High School, 777 Cass Ave., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hall returns as keynote speaker for this event as well, said Margaux Morisseau, Director of Community Building at NeighborWorks Blackstone RiverValley and an MLK Weekend organizer.

There's still room for local employers to participate Saturday, Morisseau said. If you are an employer and want to participate in the fair, contact Antonio A. Rodriguez via email at arodriguez@neighborworksbrv.org or by phone at (401) 762 0993 ext. 231.  
 
The public and members of all faiths are invited to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Worship Service Sunday, 4-6 p.m., at St. James Baptist Church, 340 South Main St., with Reverend Dr. Sammy C. Vaughn, Senior Pastor.  

Finally, on Monday, there will be the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Service at 10 a.m. at the Dr. King Memorial Sculpture Garden, South Main Street, across from St. James Baptist Church, followed by The MLK Weekend Youth Service Project at St. James Church.

During the project, members of the Youth RAP at NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley will be distributing basic need items to the homeless in Woonsocket. Morisseau said they're still in need of items, including First Aid Kits and winter wear.

Contact nofokansi@neighborworksbrv.org or call 762-0993 ext. 234 for more information on the basic need collection.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here