“To remember Dr. King and to honor his memory through service is to reaffirm America’s greatest gift to the world: the idea that one dreamer can change the world and give voice to the longing of a thousand hearts when the cause is just and faith is steadfast.” -Portsmouth Mayor Thomas Ferrini
7th Annual MLK Day Celebration and March for Justice
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January 21, 2008
Portsmouth Middle School, Portsmouth, NH
City Year New Hampshire led 260 community members in a day of celebration and service honoring the values and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This day of celebration also served as the Opening Day for the City Year New Hampshire Young Heroes program, which unties 35 middle school students from around the seacoast region for 15 Saturdays of service learning programs between January and May.
At the kick-off ceremony, words of inspiration and reflection were provided by Mayor Thomas Ferrini and photographer & activist, Richard Hayes who articulated the ongoing relevance of Dr. King’s message today. Following the rally, the participants marched for justice through downtown Portsmouth led by the Leftist Marching Band.
The march was followed by an afternoon of community service projects and activities for all ages led by corps members. The service activities included:
- creating a “Poetry Mural” for display in the Portsmouth Public Library;
- decorating Markey Basket grocery bags with messages about the importance of Dr. King’s legacy;
- writing letters to service men and women abroad;
- diversity related workshops;
- and mural painting at the Portsmouth Senior Citizens Center.
The City Year MLK Service Day event was featured in the Foster’s Daily Democrat, Portsmouth Herald, Union Leader and WMUR TV, as well on106.5 WMEX and Rock 101.
Attendees at the MLK Service Day and Young Heroes celebration included:
- Former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen
- Portsmouth City Counselor Chris Dwyer
- Former Mayor Steve Marchand
- Major General Ken Clark of the NH National Guard
- Former Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ott.