Creating a bright light in these challenging times The MLK: From Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter event
Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that.” The recent musical celebration, “MLK: From Civil Rights to Black Lives Matter” created a bright light in these challenging times for those in attendance. The audience at Epworth United Methodist Church rocked and swayed to one great performance after another, including local bands, choirs, and dancers.
TV personality Paul Williams of WRDE emceed the program, which was a fundraiser for the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice (SDARJ). The evening began with a beautiful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by Gwendolyn Miller, who invited the audience to sing along. This was followed by The Praise Choir of Friendship Baptist Church of Lewes, whose rousing gospel offerings included “Amazing Grace” and “This Little Light of Mine.”
Sam Mincey, a student at Cape Henlopen High School, gave a powerful address about Dr. King’s willingness to give everything for racial equity and justice. He asked the audience to follow Dr. King’s lessons and speak up, show up, stand up, act up, and disrupt when there is no other option.
The ALLIANCE Singers of the Camp Rehoboth Chorus opened their set with “I Know Where I’ve Been,” a powerful gospel-like blues ballad about the struggles of racism. Molly White and Joyful Expressions, from Friendship United Methodist Church, got the audience on its feet with such great civil rights songs as “What’s Going On,” and “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.” Those unfamiliar with Praise Dance learned quickly from Lorraine Williams, who presented a spiritual performance that incorporated music and movement as a form of worship.
A Sussex County-based trio, The Reminders, played their original song, “Mother Emanuel,” about the Charleston church massacre of 2015. Changing the energy once again, Christy Taylor and The Shades of Blue Collective sang the story of civil rights with songs from the Staples Singers, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye.
The fabulous evening wrapped up with a call to carry on Dr. King’s Mission of service. The audience was encouraged to write anonymous messages about how they intended to carry on Dr. King’s legacy and drop them in a box outside the auditorium. These intentions will be used to inspire others to spread Dr. King’s philosophy of service and non-violent struggle.
