MLK Committee, ‘Reigniting the Dream’

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PORTSMOUTH — For many years, the life and legacy of slain Civil Rights Movement leader, Dr. Martin King, Jr. has been commemorated by the Dr. King Scholarship in Portsmouth. The events pertaining to the commemoration will kick off Saturday, Jan. 9, with the 27th Annual Scholarship Breakfast.

Composed of volunteers from local churches and the community at large, the MLK Committee has taken pride for 27 years in awarding four $2,000 scholarships to two seniors from Portsmouth High School, and Notre Dame High School. The annual Breakfast with ticket costs of $15 per ticket, serves as the primary source to fund the scholarships.

Maureen Cadogan, MLK Committee chairperson, said the theme for this year’s series of events is ‘Reigniting the Dream in 2016.’

“With the downturn of the economy, and wars, or rumors of wars, and all that is going on in our nation with the drugs and so forth, I wonder what Dr. King would think, or what he would say. So, his dream was good for that day, but we need to reignite the dream, but what are our values,”Cadogan said.

Bringing America back to God is the way to reignite King’s dream, according to Cadogan.

“We need to cause America to turn back to God. If we just start seeking God and do better, if each person can do just a little better by helping the young people, then hopefully we will be sowing seeds and we’re going to be giving back, and it is our hope to see things turn around,” she said. “We just want to continue to serve, to find new and different ways to make a difference, in that we can instill positive values in our youth, because it starts with getting them on board to reignite the dream and move forward.”

The MLK Scholarship Committee 2016 activities will include:

Saturday, Jan. 9, 9 a.m. – Scholarship Breakfast, Friends of Southern Ohio Medical Center Community Room, 1202 18th Street, Portsmouth.

Sunday, Jan. 10 – Silent March – 2:30 p.m. beginning at Shawnee State University parking lot, 940 Second Street Portsmouth. Memorial Service to take place immediately following the march at Living Faith Temple, 1329 Kinney Street, Portsmouth.

Sunday, Jan. 17 – Gospel Concert at 4 p.m. at Living Faith Temple, 1329 Kinney Street, Portsmouth.

Monday, Jan. 18 – Workshops from 10 a.m. until noon at the 14th Street Community Center, Portsmouth.

Monday, Jan. 18 – Winter Picnic from noon until 1 p.m., 14th Street Community Center, Portsmouth.

Monday, Jan. 18 – Performing Arts and Scholarship Awards at 7 p.m., 14th Street Community Center.

She said they are looking forward to another spectacular year, and said tickets are still available for purchase.

“Tickets may be purchased at the door, if anyone would like to purchase a table, is not too late,” she said. “If they need flyers, or tickets, I will make sure that accommodations are made.”

For more information, contact Maureen Cadogan at 740-353-4085, and leave a message.

By Portia Williams

[email protected]

Reach Portia Williams at 740-353-3101, ext. 1929, or on Twitter @PortiaWillPDT.

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