Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration virtual service set Jan. 17

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Organization, Sussex County Inc. invites the public to participate in the 34th Annual Commemorative Weekend Celebration in honor of the late civil rights leader from Friday, Jan. 14, to Monday, Jan. 17. 

A community worship service will begin at 10 a.m., Jan. 17, via Zoom. The messenger will be the Rev. Ron Houston, associate pastor of St. John 2nd Baptist Church, Millsboro. The worship leader will be Brother Frederick Duffy, Mt. Zion AME Church, Milford.

This year’s theme, The Conscience of a Society: Safe, Political, Popular or Right, reminds everyone that King always spoke in service of the truth, even in the face of strong opposition. “The day we see the truth and cease to speak is the day we begin to die,” he said.

Once again this year, the service will be held via Zoom. All are encouraged to attend. The worship service is co-sponsored by the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, and the Zoom link will be at SDARJ.org. Guests also can phone into the service at 301-715-8692. The webinar ID is 842 8217 6356.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, neither the traditional parade nor the annual banquet will be held.

Throughout the weekend, people are encouraged to participate in various day of service events sponsored by local organizations. All are encouraged to worship at a location of their choice Sunday, Jan. 16.

Community support is always needed and appreciated in perpetuating and nurturing Dr. King’s legacy, vision and dream. Donations to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Organization may be sent to P.O Box 781, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Contributions will help fund scholarships for deserving youth in Sussex County and the ongoing work of the organization. For more information, call Janie Miller at 302-227-3118 or email Don Peterson at donpetersonde@gmail.com.