Stoneham celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Published on January 23rd, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - Around 100 residents representing a rainbow of races came together at the Stoneham Town Hall Monday to honor the memory and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Cheryl Motley Sanders of Summer Street organized the Martin Luther King Day event for the second straight year. Many but not all towns in the area have events to honor the national holiday. Boston has a breakfast. Winchester has an afternoon assembly.
“If we can get more people involved, maybe some year we will do a breakfast,” Sanders said.
Sanders did almost all the work herself this year, securing the hall, the acts, the speakers and providing refreshments. The cover of the program she prepared includes a dedication to those who died on Sept. 11.
“She really put a lot of thought and did a ton of work,” said Safety Officer Larry Rotondi, who took his turn at the microphone to lead the crowd in “God Bless America.”
Sanders thanked Boys & Girls Club instructor Charlene Chiodi for her help. For the second year Chiodi’s young dancers entertained the crowd.
“We dance to songs geared to the history, and the kids really enjoy this,” Chiodi said.
Patty Story was delighted with her daughter Nicole’s performance and the whole event.
“It’s great for the kids to learn about Martin Luther King... it sets a good example for them,” Story said.
Young people were at the heart of the celebration. After the dancers, Stoneham High student Jason Goff played the flute.
Then Selectmen Chairman Tony Kennedy said a few words, and after a final dance act the whole assembly joined together in prayer and song. “We shall overcome” left the members of the crowd reflective and emotional as they filed out of Town Hall.
Last year Sanders booked the Stoneham Theatre for the event. She opted for the Town Hall this year because it seats hundreds more.
“I plan to get going on organizing next year’s event a lot earlier,” Sanders said.
With hard work and the help of the Stoneham community Sanders hopes to fill more and more seats each year because Martin Luther King Day is all about coming together.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!