PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – People across the region celebrated the life of Martin Luther King Jr., with a gathering at the Newman Center in Plattsburgh featuring inspiring speeches and songs of hope.
Community members tied their messages back to King’s legacy.
“Darkness, as Doctor King says, cannot rule out darkness. Only light can do that. Hatred can not push back on hatred; only love can do that,” said David Fryson, interim VP of diversity, equity, and inclusion at SUNY Plattsburgh.
“We can build community. We can unite the nation,” said Rev. Leonard Oates of Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.
Between the songs and speeches, Ali Webbinaro, North Country representative for the governor’s office, presented a state proclamation. “Governor Hochul proclaims this day Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Empire State, and it’s my honor to present this to you,” Webbinaro said.
The event also included a dedication to one of the organizing committee’s members, Brett Carpenter, who died last month. “His dedication and thoughtful presence in our community and on our committee will be deeply missed,” said Jacqueline Madison, chairperson of the MLK Committee Board of Directors.
SUNY Plattsburgh also plans to hold a day of racial healing, starting Tuesday morning online and at the college’s Angell Center.
