On Monday, Jan. 21, seats were scarce as many filed into into the Pilgrim Baptist Church on Franklin Street in Nyack. Led by Reverend Willie L. Hairston, a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day service was sponsored by the Nyack Branch NAACP.
“It’s a beautiful day because so many people are coming together in remembrance of someone whose dreams gave all of us hope,” said Hairston. “We need to be united together as a community. We show love and enthusiasm, we fight for what we believe in. If you think of Martin Luther King Jr. and what he worked for, he gave of himself and asked for nothing in return and that’s what we should do.”
“It feels like Martin Luther King’s dream has actually taken flight as we watch Obama get inaugurated for the second time. It’s a sign of something great for our nation and us moving in the right direction,” said Nyack Mayor Jen Laird-White.
Here's a look at some of the service's program:
- Guest preacher Pastor Roger Williamson of Berea Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nyack
- Presiding Pastor Isidoa Branch, Jr., St. Philip’s A.M.E. Zion Church,Nyack, New York & Religions Affairs Chairman Nyack Branch NAACP
- Selections: Faith Temple Church/Ministerial Alliance Community Church Members
- Bishop Ernest Buxton, Director
- Paul Adler Civic Engagement Chair, Nyack Branch NAACP
- Acknowledgement of elected officials and community leaders.
- Reverend Willie L. Hairston, Pastor
What does MLK Day mean to you? Tell us in the comments
