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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebrated at banquet

The Taylor Music Studio Youth Singers sing inspirational songs for the banquet attendees. Shown are (l-r) Isaac Robert, 11; Ava Robert, 9; Sophia Wilgus, 8; Charlie Kelly, 7; Emma Gaskill, 7; Olivia Kelly, 6; and Jacob Wilgus, 6. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
January 20, 2025

The 37th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Weekend held its kick-off banquet at the CHEER Center in Georgetown Jan. 18. This year’s theme was Together We Make the Dream Work: Love + Unity = Power.

Committee President Clem Jordan said, “It’s more than a slogan; it’s a reminder of the force that lies within us when we come together with love in our hearts and unity in our purpose.”

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee President Clem Jordan welcomes banquet attendees.
Karma Smith of the Mt. Zion AME Church in Ellendale acts as mistress of ceremonies.
Makena Carmine-Collick of the Bethel UM Church gives the invocation.
Sen. Russell Huxtable, D-Lewes, sings along to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Dana Paskins and the Rev. Tesha Miller join in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The Rev. George Edwards and his wife, Ardeth, enjoy the celebration dinner.
Former Cape Henlopen School District administrator and board member Janet Maull-Martin, left, greets DSEA-NEA Director Gloria Ho.
Sussex County Register of Wills Gregory Fuller, left, speaks with the Rev. Gary Meekins during the social hour.
Paula Roberts sings along to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The Bethel AME Church Praise Dancers perform at the banquet. Shown are (l-r) Santana Messick, Cinorice Messick, Ava Griffin, Andrew Messick and Javen Savage.
Olivia Kelly, 6, left and Jacob Wilgus, 6, of the Taylor Music Studio Youth Singers entertain banquet guests.
Malcom Freeman of Israel United Methodist Church gives the table blessing.
Wanda Hopkins, left, and Hattie Bull take part in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Georgetown Mayor Bill West receives a certificate of appreciation from committee member Sarah Smith.
Milan Barnes, 5, of the Friendship Baptist Youth Choir sings “Shake the Devil Off.”
Aries Gooner and the Friendship Baptist Youth Choir sing “Shake the Devil Off.”
The Friendship Baptist Youth Choir sings “Shake the Devil Off.” Shown are (l-r) Ayanna Ward, Milan Barnes, Jackson Gao, Nore Sheppard, Mylah  Sheppard, Aries Gooner, Genie Chen and Ka’Leah Sheppar.
The DSEA had union leadership and local leaders from the union's Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee (EMAC) in attendance to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King who was a supporter of labor unions and worker's rights. Shown are (standing l-r) Manuel Davis, Karen Maull, Ashley Lockwood, Gail Jones, Sonia Everson, and Jerome Foster and (sitting l-r) Stephanie Collick, Lisa Williams, Alisha Broughton and Gloria Ho. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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