Silver City, NM- A celebration commemorating the legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luthor King Jr. was held today at Light Hall Auditorium.
The ceremony was opened by Mrs. Gloria Bradford and Dr. Isaac Brundage followed by assorted students of Western New Mexico University reading excerpts of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. Dr. King originally gave the speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963 as part of a March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In the speech, King urged America to make real promises of democracy and recognize that all men (and women) are equal regardless of race. The speech is not only known as one of the most iconic moments of the civil rights era, but also in American history.
After students recited the speech, Hakim Bellamy, the first Poet Laureate of Albuquerque, NM shared one of his own works with the audience called “MLK Mixed Tape.” After the performance, Pastor Earseye B. Ross was honored by the university as an advocate for civil rights. Ross has met many icons of the civil rights era including Rosa Parks, Muhammad Ali and even Dr. King himself and founded an event nine years ago that celebrates Dr. King’s legacy.
After the ceremony concluded, refreshments were provided for attendees. Aside from Western New Mexico University, the event was also sponsored by Concilio CDS Inc, Brewer Hills Baptist Church and the Grant County Democratic Party.
