Martin Luther King Jr. remembered

Jan. 18, 2018 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs.

SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds of people gathered at the MassMutual Center for the 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration. The free event featured speakers, musical performances, prayer and many references to the works and word of the late civil rights leader.

Elected officials who spoke included Gov. Charlie Baker, Congressman Richard Neal, Mayor Domenic Sarno and state Rep. Bud Williams.

Musical performers included the MLK Bucket Drummer, the Community Music School of Springfield New Orleans Jazz Band and the Sondido Musica Elementary School program, among others.

Sarno looked out to the audience and asked, “Isn’t this the best mosaic of the city of Springfield and Western Massachusetts?”

Baker said, “This country is great because of our diversity, not in spite of it.”

He added a quote from King about racism: “Hate can not drive out hate. Only love can do that.”

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