With a spirit of unity and celebration, a large crowd gathered at Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Princeton on Monday for the 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Program. This year’s program embraced “inclusivity” as its theme.
After opening remarks from Judge-Executive Kota Young and Mayor Brock Thomas, Paulette Gray announced the five winners of the MLK, Jr. art contest for middle and high school students, whose artwork will be featured in the “More than a Dream” exhibit at the Princeton Art Guild, from January 21st to February 21st.
click to download audioThis year’s program included two speakers. The first speaker was 17-year-old Zari Wilson, a junior at Caldwell County High School, who is involved in extracurricular activities and clubs. She is a member of the Caldwell County High School Cheer Team and serves as HOSA President, National Honor Society Event Coordinator, and Student Council treasurer. She is a Community Disciples member.
Wilson’s speech aligned with the program’s theme “Inclusivity.”
click to download audioShe concluded by stating, “We can still live together and have our differences,” adding, “In fact, it’s our differences that make us strong.”
Choir Director Emma Gossett then led selected students from Caldwell County’s middle and high schools in singing the program’s theme song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
click to download audioShane Fortner introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Kenneth Godshall of New York, a retired Presbyterian pastor who served at Central Presbyterian Church in Princeton from 2013 to 2020 and also served as Board Chair of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Before entering ordained ministry, Rev. Godshall spent 31 years as a magazine publishing executive with Time, Newsweek, Fortune, and several other publications.
He reflected on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and Civil Rights leader who championed non-violent social change and was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. Rev. Godshall said King was more than a dreamer; he was a leader who inspired a nation through courage, conviction, and a powerful vision for the future.
He then listed many of Dr. King’s accomplishments and achievements, and noted that King’s lifework has not been fully realized.
click to download audioHe asked everyone to stand and clap their hands to remember that the legacy of King remains with us, for non-violent political activity, for the beloved community, for courageous citizenship, for the unfinished work of Dr. King, for Princeton, Kentucky, and Caldwell County, and for the United States of America.
After his comments, MLK, Jr. Committee member Pat George shared closing remarks.
click to download audioFollowing the program, attendees were invited to share lunch together in the Fellowship Hall.
You can listen to the full program by clicking on the audio link below:
