HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The two days of celebration for the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., wrapped up here in Hutchinson Monday afternoon with a good crowd in attendance for an event with great music and speech about King’s legacy.
The event was held at the Second Missionary Baptist Church across the street from Hutchinson Community College who helped sponsor the event. The guest speaker was Dr. Mildred Edwards with Kansas African Affairs Commission in Topeka who talked of all the struggles of Dr. King who was constantly arrested, but kept going for rights for not only African Americans, but also for the poor.
She admits that those of us who grew up here in Kansas during the time of Dr. King’s efforts were insulated from what was occurring in the south. She told us before the event started that its important to remember what Dr. King did and how it helped bring about the change we see today. Although, there is still work to be done. Part of what she did during her speech is remind those in attendance of the sacrifice Dr. King did to further the cause of civil rights. His constant message of non-violent protest is still the message that many advocate today.
Also in attendance was State Representative Jan Pauls, Hutchinson Mayor Cindy Proett and County Commissioner Dan Deming. He noted the lack of people of color in government at both the city and county level. He also spoke of no one of color on any of the boards and repeatedly said “we can do better.”
Music as always was excellent with the Buhler Varsity Choir and Buhler Singers, HCC singers known as the HCC Badinage. Also performing was the Emancipation Day Youth Choir.
The event Monday lasted about two hours.