In 2003, then-councilwoman Eileen Thorton noticed Hamilton Township did not have a tribute for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
So, she gathered a committee of four people—herself, Gloria Stephens, Gary Gray and Quincy Hendryx—and together they planned an event in King’s honor at the Bromley Neighborhood Center. The community responded, and the large attendance floored the organizing committee.
On Jan. 15, Faith Baptist Church on Kuser Road will host the township’s 12th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute at 7 p.m. The event has grown from its humble beginnings, but the message is the same, Thorton said.
“We still have a lot of work to do, and he’s still an inspiration, a good instruction book for us,” Thorton said.
The keynote speaker will be Hamilton School District assistant superintendent Steven Bollar. John O. Wilson Hamilton Neighborhood Center executive director Gloria Stephens, one of the King tribute’s original committee members, will received the Hamilton Township Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit of Community Service Award. The Hamilton High School West band will perform. A candlelight ceremony closes out the event, with a reception with refreshments to follow. The event is paid for by Faith Baptist Church, and is free to attend.
While the contents of the event haven’t changed much, Thorton said the tribute still holds meaning.
“It’s just nice to pause and reflect on Dr. King’s life and its impact on our community,” Thorton said.
The Hamilton Township 12th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute is Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 2111 Kuser Road in Hamilton. For more information contact the Hamilton Township CYO Bromley Center at (609) 587-8100.
–Rob Anthes
