Delaware County Honors the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Released: January 18, 2023
Delaware County Council, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Sheriff Jerry Sanders and County Controller Joanne Phillips joined various elected officials, organizations, community groups, and residents from across the county in honoring and celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 16.
Council and various County Leaders were honored to attend numerous tributes to Dr. King throughout the day, beginning with a Unity Day Breakfast at the Drexelbrook, hosted by the YMCA of Eastern Delaware County. Council Chair Dr. Monica served as the keynote speaker and highlighted the importance of unity.
“We are more powerful when we are united and when we stand together and work toward the greater good for all humanity,” said Dr. Taylor. “We rise as individuals and we rise as a collective humanity when we are united, and when our intentions and our hearts are pure. Dr. King was a beacon and his message of freedom, equality, justice, and love serves to remind us how we should live our lives each day, how we should carry out our life’s work, and how we should teach our children and grandchildren who follow in our footsteps.”
Following the Unity Breakfast, Council joined the Philadelphia Union, the City of Chester, Widener University, the Chester Cultural Arts and Technology Center (the CAAT Center), and the Making A Change Group to host an MLK Day of Service.
The day included a breakfast and tribute at Calvary Baptist Church in Chester, where Dr. King attended from 1948-1951 while studying at the Crozer Theological Seminary, and where he also served as a Sunday School teacher and youth minister. Councilman Richard Womack presented a resolution to the church’s pastor, noting the church’s rich history and connection to Dr. King. The Calvary Baptist Church was organized in 1879 by a small group of freed slaves and is credited as an influential force in Dr. King’s life.
Following the presentation, dozens of community members participated in an inspirational Peace March to MLK Memorial Park in Chester. After the march, participants rolled up their sleeves to clean up and beautify the park and the surrounding streets and yards. After the cleanup, volunteers were invited to the CAAT Center where community-building activities were held in honor of the legacy and spirit of the great Dr. King.
Council was also proud to attend the 28th Greater Philadelphia MLK Day of Service Food Donation Drive in Prospect Park, where hundreds of food donations were collected and will be distributed to residents in need across the county.
Councilman Richard Womack was also humbled to participate in a Community Reading of Dr. King’s “I’ve been to the Mountaintop” speech at Prospect Park Baptist Church.
Council commends and thanks the members of the community who organized and participated in the MLK Day of Service events that were held in Dr. King’s honor.
