Commissioners proclaim Jan. 20 as MLK Day in Chester County
WEST CHESTER >> Chester County Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline presented their first proclamation of the year, designating Jan. 20, 2020, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Chester County.
The proclamation reads, in part, “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. devoted his life to advancing equality, social justice, and opportunity for all, and challenged all Americans to participate in the never-ending work of building a more perfect union … On Jan. 20, 2020, and in the days after, many Chester County non-profits and faith-based organizations, educational institutions, public agencies and private businesses will hold events marking a day of community service, grounded in Dr. King’s teachings that help solve social problems.
The Commissioners’ proclamation urged all citizens to participate in community projects connected to the teachings of Dr. King, and to unite behind efforts that foster racial, cultural and community harmony.
Accepting copies of the proclamation were two Chester County organizations that recognize and honor the legacy of Dr. King through the actions of community service projects and scholarship support – St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester and West Chester University’s
Frederick Douglass Society.
Deacon Glasper Ridgel and Reverend Richelle Gunter of St. Paul’s Baptist Church thanked the Commissioners for the proclamation, noting the church’s MLK Jr. Day of Service history. “What began 16 years ago as a day of service with less than 30 volunteers has grown into a partnership with other churches and organizations,” said Deacon Ridgel. “This year we will send out over 500 volunteers to 22 different service projects, three community events and 40 sites on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, reminding some — and educating others — about the life and contributions of Dr. King to America and the world.”
Andria Young, President of the Frederick Douglass Society at West Chester University, said, “The mission of our society is to bring together diverse members of the West Chester University community — faculty, staff, administrators and students — to encourage multi-cultural education, empowerment and equality. In the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we hold a brunch to encourage scholarship fundraising for students who are struggling to stay in school and complete their education. We also begin our annual volunteer projects, including blanket-making sessions where 500 to 600 students, faculty, staff and community members come together in the University’s student union ballroom to make blankets for children in hospitals throughout the region.
“I thank the Commissioners for their proclamation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Chester County and for recognizing our focus on the legacy of MLK, acknowledging that we are one community and can all work together to make this world, and keep this world a place of peace and love,” added Andria Young.