Each year, the January celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and work is a special day for me.
I served at Immaculate Conception Church on Youngstown's east side from 1987-1997 and was immersed in the faith and culture of the parish's African-American community. The highlight of these years was participating in our Gospel Choir.
Jan. 16, I attended a beautiful celebration of Dr. King's legacy, which included beautiful music, at Youngstown State University.
It reminded me of the many people who still strive to live his values and dream.
Being a graduate of YSU, I always feel comfortable on campus, but when I saw Marta Hergenrother's name in the program, I really felt at home. Marta volunteers in ministry with the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown at Beatitude House. She represented "Students United" and gave remarks following the keynote speaker.
When I introduced myself to that speaker, Pastor Juan Rivera, I discovered that his wife is the great-niece of Sister Germaine Staron, one of our Ursuline Sisters who died recently.
Juan preached a powerful message about light always conquering darkness.
While helping myself to refreshments I chatted with YSU President Jim Tressel and expressed my appreciate for his wife, Ellen, who is an active board member at and supporter of Beatitude House.
Below are some photos from the event.