By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Needhamites gathered together this past Monday, January 15th at Needham High School (NHS) to celebrate Martin Luther King (MLK), Jr. Day. This event was sponsored by the Needham Diversity Initiative (NDI), as well as the Needham Human Rights Committee (NHRC), the Needham Interfaith Clergy Association (NICA), and the Needham Public Schools and its METCO program.
A massive crowd of families and friends packed the NHS Auditorium ready for an uplifting and moving event. As everyone walked in, light refreshments of coffee, cookies and pastries were served and provided by Hazel’s Bakery, Roche Bros., Starbucks, and Trader Joe’s.
The program started off with an incredible video of MLK Jr.’s message that featured Joe Watts and Phil Morrison. Greetings and the introduction were given by the MC for the program, Rinaz Mala. NHRC member Cynthia Ganung then recited a land acknowledgment from the Praying Indians of Natick and Ponkapoag.
An amazing aspect of this MLK Jr. Celebration was that it got all audience members actively involved throughout. Kim Marie Nicols led everyone in a bridge activity, starting with a chant and hand movements for all to participate in. The room thus beamed with sound as everyone continuously stated a famous phrase of MLK Jr., “Let’s build bridges, not walls.” Once audience members had learned the chant and movements, it was time to actually create their own bridges. Using rolls of crepe paper set up at the end of each alternating row, each person would pass their roll of paper to the person next to them all the way down to the other side of the room. Thus bridges were created as everyone stood up and shouted “Let’s build bridges, not walls!”
The Keynote speech given by Dr. Gilda Barabino, President of Olin College of Engineering, located in Needham. She delivered a powerful speech, truly captivating all audience members. “We are gathered to remember,” she stated, “the legacy of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. and recognize his message of bridging the gap and belonging to the greater community. King was a man of principle. He was a man who stepped onto the national stage at a critical juncture in American history. He and other civil rights leaders and activists together bent the arc of human progress towards justice.”
After this speech, the Eliot School Chorus recited the poem “In Memory” by Ericka Northrop and sung “This Little Light of Mine,” all while being directed by George Vallatini. NICA members, Dr. Huma Farid and Rabbi Todd Markey each gave their own reflections about the day.
Following this, the Plugged In Teen Band Program performed a beautiful rendition of “Peace Train.” Chair of the Select Board, Marianne Cooley, followed this performance with a speech about Needham’s efforts towards becoming a more bridging and belonging community. Next, Chairperson of METCO Parent Council, Valine Valbrun, recited excerpts from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech”. Additional reflections were further given by U.S. Congressman Jake Auchincloss, State Representative Denise Garlick, and State Senator Becca Rausch.
The finale was performed by Brother Dennis’ Band, in which they sang “We Shall Overcome” and “Lift Every Voice.” Audience members were encouraged to sing along, and additionally thanked for coming to this beautiful event in honor of MLK Jr..
