Community comes together to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday through song and dance

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a racial equality, a dream celebrated Monday through song, dance, and inspirational speakers.

The city of Bloomington honored Martin Luther King Jr. by having a birthday celebration at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. A reception at the First United Methodist Church was held prior to the celebration.

Following the reception, community members traveled to the Buskirk-Chumley Theater for the birthday celebration. The celebration featured many speakers and performers, including Mayor Mark Kruzan, Woodie White from the Chandler School of Theology, John Whikehart, Ivy Tech-Bloomington Chancellor, IU’s African-American Choral Ensemble, Hip Hop ConnXion and community vocal group Kaia.

The program followed the theme “The Dream Unfolding,” celebrating the inauguration of President-elect Barak Obama, and “A Day On! Not A Day Off,” celebrating all the community service activities that took place throughout the day. The celebration was also a way to remember the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“I think it is important to remember the people who made a difference in America,” sophomore Courtney Kronmiller said.

People of all ethnicities attended the program, helping to emphasize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.

“This program helped educate the community about diversity through activities that give a historical perspective about the civil rights movement and the accomplishments of various leaders in the community who are working together with different ethnic and political groups,” attendee Rochell Tinsley said.

“Today is a prime example of how far people, particularly young, have come, and how they are open to new ideas,” she added. “This is very evident in their support of our President-elect Barack Obama. Tonight sort of culminated the changes that are taking place in our society today. Programs like this highlight the accomplishments of the Bloomington community.”

During the ceremony, awards were presented to people who have been working toward Dr. King’s dream. The Legacy Award is given to a person or group of persons who have made a significant contribution in areas of race relations, justice and human rights.

WFHB Firehouse Broadcasting won the award based on their diverse group of radio stations, which include stations geared toward African-Americans and gays.

The One Book, One Bloomington and Beyond Award honors a book that community members voted on to encourage literacy and community dialogue. “The Book Thief,” by Marcus Zusak, was the winning book.

Between speakers and awards, the audience participated in performing songs of diversity and African-American struggle to show the history of civil rights. Songs included “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “We Shall Overcome,” “Tomorrow Is My Turn” and “Why? (The King of Love Is Dead).”

“I think it is important to remember the diversity, remember we are all equal, and it is important to remember where everyone came from,” sophomore Julie Gahimer said.