Words MEAN something. Ask a writer. And the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a genuine artist when it came to words. It’s ironic then that a quotation carved into his new monument on the National Mall in Washington, D. C. takes Dr. King’s words out of context and changes the meaning of what he actually said — essentially mis-quoting one of the world’s great orators. Now, as the nation prepares to commemorate what would have been Dr. King’s 83rd birthday, we get word that a correction is in the works. Read more.
NOTE: On Monday, January 16th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be commemorated with two free, public events in downtown Binghamton:
From 1 to 3 p.m. in New York State Office Building, 44 Hawley St., 18th Floor, Binghamton, the NAACP of Broome and Tioga counties will host a program of speeches, dance and musical performances. The theme is “We Can Move Mountains Together.” Mayor Matthew T. Ryan, other elected officials, faith-based organizations and students from the Binghamton City School District will participate. Doors will open at 12:15 p.m. Parking in the city’s ramps will be free with a validation stamp, which will be available in the Gallery. The City’s three parking ramps are located on Collier, State and Water streets.
The evening program will begin at 6 p.m. with a march from the MLK Statue at the Peace Makers Square (at theCourt Street Bridge near Boscov’s) to the First Congregational Church (at the Main/Front Street intersection). The march will be followed by remarks by special guests, including keynote speaker Dr. Nicole Sirju-Johnson of Binghamton University MultiCultural Center. Bring a non-perishable item to donate to CHOW’s food pantry.
Both programs are free of charge. For more information on the day program, call Patricia Mc Herrin at 217-4095. For more information on the evening program, call Naomi Branch at 751-2128 or Camille Jones at 786-5449.
