The pandemic has limited local celebrations for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but his message still was heard.
For the second year in a row, the television program “Hello Lima” partnered with The Sisters in Service Foundation and the local chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority to put on a virtual celebration in honor of Dr. King. Pastor John McCants of St. Paul AME church, the oldest black church in Northwest Ohio started the show. He spoke about how significant service was to Dr. King and the importance of teaching his message of equality. He adds it is an ongoing struggle and there are many things that still need to be worked on.
“On one hand I think he would be gleaming to know that we had an African American President,” says Rev. McCants. “At the same time, he would be outraged to say what is happening to some of our voting rights right now. So, on one hand, yes we are making strides, on the other hand, you got to keep on pressing on.”
Mayor Sharetta Smith also read a proclamation declaring the day in Lima in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
