NAACP, Newport County Branch is hosting a Commemoration Ceremony on the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center in Newport on April 4. Branch members will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Branch office at 72 E Dr. Marcus F. Wheatland Boulevard and process to the MLK Center where the program will begin at 6:00 p.m.
A 1964 Nobel Peace Prize winner and the foremost civil rights leader in the United States, Dr. King was born in 1929 in Atlanta, GA. He was a strong advocate for equality and justice and led many marches and demonstrations to bring attention to the plight and the rights of the oppressed in our society.
Dr. King is especially remembered for his commitment to nonviolent ways to bring about much-needed social change. He was an exceptional orator and a courageous leader whose impact on this country is still felt through this very day.
Victoria Johnson, Retired Principal of Rogers High School and Founder/Coordinator of the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project, is the Guest Speaker. Marilyn Warren, Executive Director, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, will offer welcoming remarks. James I. Winters, President, NAACP, Newport County Branch will extend greetings from the Branch.
Spiritual reflections, musical selections and refreshments will also be offered.
This event is free and open to the general public.