NEWBURYPORT – Despite the snowy conditions, the YWCA Greater Newburyport welcomed more than 200 guests to Newburyport City Hall in celebration of its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration & first-ever Day of Service last week.
After attendees enjoyed delicious food and beverages donated from community partners, the program began with welcoming remarks from YWCA Executive Director Dr. Kate Slater, who urged the audience to “to commemorate Martin Luther King as the radical and revolutionary he was” and concluded with the reminder “May you all recommit to this work of a lifetime with the fierce urgency of now.” The program continued with a
blessing from Rabbi Alex Matthews, followed by profound stories and poetry from award winning poet and author Rhina Espaillat.
This year’s theme, “Standing Strong: Our Beloved Community” was chosen in recognition of Dr. King’s vision of a society where justice, equality, and prosperity. The keynote address was delivered to a standing-room-only crowd by activist and public figure Dr. Angel Jones, followed by a Q&A with Slater. Dr. Jones is a first-generation Afro-Latina educator, scholar, activist and author whose research explores racial battle fatigue and the impact of racism on mental health. Her book Street Scholar: Using Public Scholarship to Educate, Advocate, and Liberate (Peter Lang) is “an unapologetic call-to-action that challenges the Academy to thoughtfully and intentionally engage in public scholarship.” Dr. Jones delivered a moving keynote invoking the power of community and the ancestors who have guided her. She encouraged the audience members to envision future generations and to think about our collective responsibility to create a beloved community; “What will they say about you as their ancestors?” she asked, “What will your legacy be?”
Additionally, the Commemoration featured the presentation of the YWCA’s Nancy E. Peace Action Against Prejudice Award, recognizing individuals who, through their professional or volunteer lives, have made valuable contributions towards eliminating racism, fighting prejudice, and celebrating diversity. It was presented by Erin Hutchinson-Himmel to award recipient Reverend Rebecca Bryan, Minister at the First Religious Society, Unitarian Universalist. Reverend Bryan began her ministry in 2018 as the first settled female minister, serving on the local DEI Task Force and chair of the Greater Newburyport Clergy Association.
The program culminated with uplifting vocals from soloist Christian Cornelio, a growing musical theatre professional and a local teacher.
Following the program, participants were able to engage in the Day of Service with three community partners: they had the opportunity to sort pallets in the warehouse at Our Neighbors Table, organize care kits with Amesbury Racial & Social Justice for distribution at the Salvation Army’s Emergency Shelter, and craft a public art project for display at the YWCA Child Care Center.
A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor, The Garrison Inn. We are also incredibly grateful to our Equity Partners, the Jeanne Geiger Crisis Center, Element Care, and Cutwater Inn and Suites, and thankful to our supporters, the Amesbury Cultural Council and Gallagher Insurance. Thank you for donations from our community partners: Nu Kitchen, Angry Donut, Olive’s Café, Abrahams Bagels, Matt’s Bagels and Phat Cat Bistro. Thank you as well to the amazing staff at Newburyport City Hall.
The mission of the YWCA Greater Newburyport is to eliminate racism, empower women and create peace, justice, dignity and freedom for all.
For more information, please visit: www.ywcanewburyport.org. ♦
