SWEDESBORO — Swedesboro is hosting the area’s best programs to celebrate Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Margaret Clifford Elementary School on Auburn Avenue.
The events include a Memorial Program, Minority Business Fair, tours of the historic Richardson Ave. School, and Community Service Awards. The main event will be a FREE 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 several 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. Clifford School is on the site of the last colored-only school established in New Jersey, The Auburn Ave. 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.
There is an art contest for elementary children, a poster contest for middle school children, and an essay contest for high school students. 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. All awardees will be acknowledge at the Memorial Program.
These events are sponsored by the Historical and Educational Lodge-Hall Preservatory, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 organization, local businesses, churches, and civic organizations. More information is available on the Facebook Page: MLK Day Celebration.
