As people of different religions, races and backgrounds gathered for brunch at a University of Scranton ballroom on Saturday, realities of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous dream filled the area.
Jews and Christians, blacks, whites and Hispanics and others joined at the DeNaples Center to celebrate the life and ideals of the American civil rights leader who used nonviolence as a means to reach racial equality. For the seventh year, the Greater Scranton MLK Commission presented the awards banquet.
About a dozen community organizations and churches helped sponsor the event meant to symbolize efforts for racial and community unity. People attending the event said they try to live by principles set by King.
At a table with fellow medical students from the Commonwealth Medical College, Cassandra Batichon of Queens, N.Y., said she plans to mentor young people after she becomes a physician. Ms. Batichon, who is black, said she and others throughout the nation can work to embody the ideals of King.
"I feel like we're a representation of what his vision was," said Ms. Batichon, who will become the first physician in her family. "It's all together working like a domino effect."
Before King was assassinated in 1968, he shared his vision of a nation filled with people who judge others based on their character and actions, not skin color. A contrast to the nation of segregation in parts of the country during King's lifetime, President Barack Obama, the nation's first black president, will be sworn in to office today for his second term. Many people at the brunch saw this presidential milestone as significant.
"It's something that makes you feel good about being an American," said Gail Waters, a board member of the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Recognition at the banquet went to Scranton High School student Karlon Quiller for youth of the year; Barry Matthews, a relief case worker at Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton, for Leader of the Year; Janilela Anderson, owner of Anisyeme Beauty Plus, for business of the year; and Sherman Wooden, retired director of multicultural affairs at the University of Scranton, received the distinguished honor award.
Today, events to honor King include a multicultural gathering at Scranton High School at 6 p.m.
Events continue Monday with a sandwich dinner at 5 p.m. at the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania's Progressive Center, 414 Olive St.; a march to Courthouse Square at 5:15 p.m.; speeches by city and county dignitaries at 5:30 p.m. at Courthouse Square; cake and hot cocoa served at 6 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center; and the Scranton Area Ministerium Interfaith Service at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Apostolic Temple, 223 N. Main Ave., Scranton.
Contact the writer: rward@timesshamrock.com, @rwardTT on Twitter