Sussex group encourages activities to honor MLK Jr.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Organization, Sussex County Inc. invites all to participate in its 29th Annual Commemorative Weekend Celebration Saturday to Monday, Jan. 16 to 18, in honor of the late civil rights leader.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, organizers have decided not to hold the traditional parade or annual banquet. During the weekend, they encourage everyone to participate in the various Day of Service events being sponsored by local organizations. On Sunday, Jan. 17, they encourage worshipping at a location of one’s choice.

The organization will continue the tradition of conducting a Community Worship Service, beginning at 10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 18, via Zoom. The messenger this year will be the Rev. Dr. Deborah A. McCaffity, pastor of St. George AME Church in Lewes. All are encouraged to attend by using the Zoom link tinyurl.com/y58p2fdx on their computer, phone or tablet. This year, the worship service is being co-sponsored by the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice and the NAACP Lower Sussex Youth Council 2719. The Zoom link will also be on the SDARJ website, sdarj.org.

The theme this year, Enough is Enough: Drive Out Hate with Love reminds everyone of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the famous quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his speech “Loving Your Enemies”: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."  

Support is always needed and appreciated to perpetuate and nurture the legacy, the vision and the dream of Dr. King. Donations to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Organization may be mailed 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.