Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., prominent civil and human rights leader and Nobel Winner for Peace was born on January 15, 1929 and was assassinated on April 04, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed that every man should make the commitment to protect the privileges and rights of all individuals. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. served as President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) from its founding in 1957 until his assassination in April 1968.  In recognition of his significant achievements in promoting peace and equality for all people, the SCLC in cooperation with the Southeast Community Day Planning Committee are observing his death with commemorative events and membership drive.

On Sunday, March 28, 2010 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center the Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration will be held.  The Commemorative Program in memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be hosted by Veronica Cunningham and Rev. Norman Cunningham, Pastor of Mt. Sinai Christian Development Church. Reflections of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be held during the program at the Downing Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Avenue, and a Gospel Music Celebration. Local and state SCLC leaders, members of the clergy,  elected officials and community leaders will participate in the program. Various choirs, praise dancers and mime groups from throughout Virginia and North Carolina will participate in the event.    Phoebus High School and Hampton High School Gospel Choirs along with area choral ensembles will provide musical tributes in honor of Dr. King.  The "Drum Major For Justice Speech" will be given by 14 year old Timothy Parker, and reflections of Dr. King shared by members of the community. Past participants including Joseph C. Whitaker, Vice Mayor of Newport News, Tina L. Vick, Newport News City Councilmember and Gabe Morgan, Sheriff of Newport News all have been invited back for an encore presentation of remarks during the program to commemorate the assassination and support the vision of Dr. King.

This event is Free to the Public. For more information, contact Veronica Cunningham at (757) 236-7955 or Andrew Shannon, SCLC State Vice President and Chapter President at (757) 877-0792.