The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
HONORING A KING
NAACP honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at holiday community gathering
People from across Northeast Ohio came together to honor the life and legacy of one of America’s most famous civil rights activists at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program hosted by the Lake County Branch of the NAACP.
The Jan. 20 gathering at Lake Erie College brought together community members and leaders to celebrate and remember King’s life and legacy.
“This day is more than just a day off for me, personally,”
Timothy Roberts, Lake Erie College’s Black Students Union president, said.
Roberts acted as the master of ceremonies for the program, introducing dance performances, a choir performance and area student speeches, which led up to the keynote address delivered by Cleveland broadcaster.
Boomer spoke on the question posed by King in 1957, “What are you doing for others?”
“We stand together with our black, brown, red, white and yellow brothers and sisters united in a mission,” he said.
“For the betterment of humanity we can hold ourselves accountable and those who abuse power accountable.”
Boomer described the civil rights strides that have been made since King’s assassination in 1968, but said there is still work to be done.
“Hopefully his dream lives in each of us. The Dreamer was killed. Assassinated. But the dream
is alive because I see it in you, and I see it in all of you,” he said.
Boomer addressed the young people in the audience and encouraged them to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before them.
“There are those of us with bald heads and grey hair,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of fighting, but we’re going to pass that torch, that baton, onto you. Are you willing to pick it up?”
Boomer’s speech was preceded by performances by Southern Enterprise
School of Arts and Harvey High School Gospel Choir. Students from Fariport Harding School and Lake Catholic spoke during the program.
Lake Erie College President Dr. Brian Posler said he is proud the school is able to work in partnership with the Lake County NAACP of Lake County, as this program has been held on the campus in years past.
“As Lake County NAACP gains members, its voice will get louder. So I say join us,” Posler said.
Both Boomer and Albert Jones, Lake County NAACP President, encouraged those in attendance to join the local NAACP organization.
“Don’t just come to this Lake County NAACP Martin Luther King Day event — as much as we appreciate that — join the branch,” Boomer said.