SWEDESBORO — Swedesboro is hosting the area’s best programs to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 at the Margaret Clifford Elementary School, Auburn Avenue.
The events include a memorial program, community service projects, tours of the historic Richardson Avenue School, and community service awards.
The main event will be a memorial program featuring the award-winning Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy Jazz Band and Gospel Choir, recitations of Dr. King’s speeches, local youth performers, community service awards, refreshments, and much more.
CAMVA Jazz Band has been the number one Jazz Band in the state for 10 years. The CAMVA Gospel choir members have performed internationally winning Gold awards in several countries. The memorial program will begin at 1 p.m.
“We chose to hold the program at the Margaret Clifford School because of the school’s historical location,” states Rev. Sherry Hall, program chair. The Clifford School is on the site of the last colored-only school established in New Jersey, The Auburn Avenue School. “The committee felt that celebrating the accomplishments of Dr. King on a previously segregated location was only fitting,” she said.
After the celebration, there will be free tours of the Richardson Avenue School, the only segregated school building still standing in New Jersey. The Richardson Avenue School is adjacent to the Clifford School parking lot.
MLK Day is also a day of service for many people. Local businesses, Boy Scout troops, and community members will begin the day with a community service project at Richardson Avenue School. Community groups are invited to come and help preserve this federally and state registered historical site.
Prior to the event, an art contest (elementary children), poster contest (middle school children), and essay contest (high school children) will be held. Winners will receive certificates and prizes.
Additionally, community service awards will be distributed to individuals and youth who have made outstanding contributions to the community. To nominate someone for a community service award, please contact Michele @ doctormblair@aol.com. All awards will be announced at the Memorial Program.
These events are sponsored by the Historical and Educational Lodge-Hall Preservatory, Inc. (a 501 (c) 3 organization), local businesses, school districts, churches, and civic organizations. More information is available by calling Rev. Sherry Hall at (215) 919-3362, or Dr. Michele Blair at (856) 693- 6526.
