Rekindling Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy

Imagine walking with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who is still alive, active in the digital world, and using your own iPhone. Yes! That is the legendary civil rights leader, the Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, one of the speakers who was in attendance, observing the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Day on the eve of Jan. 19, 2025.

At the Alliance Tabernacle Church on Clarendon Road in Brooklyn, some Clergy leaders and New York State and City officials weathered the snowy and blistering cold Sunday evening to rekindle, embrace, and embody Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.

Speaker after speaker brilliantly engaged the audience in the legacy of Dr. King’s struggles and challenged the audience with the reality of continuing with courage and resilient, the profound commitment to the work of Dr. King and to help transcend the
social change.

One of the speakers, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York Antonio Delgado, asked that the community continue to voice its opinions whenever there is a concern. Delgado said he resonates deeply with Dr. King’s legacy and believes there is a need for moral leadership now more than ever. “The universe is speaking to us…a lot of things are happening in the world. Let us lift up the work of Dr. King by advocating love,” Delgado remarked.

During her speech, State Assembly Member for the 58th Monique Chandler-Waterman called on the audience to implore and not just celebrate. “Reclaim the actions of Dr. King and build a system of dedication and commitment,” she commented.

During the spirited evening of reflection and resilience, there was a time to pause and honor the Rev. Dr. Daughtry, who marched with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Rev Herbert Daughtry, who marked his 94th birthday on Jan. 13, rolled back the years and reflected on the years of social injustice and inequities that Dr. King and others endured during the initial stages of the movement for change. In continuing, he said that Dr. King “would take two steps backward to make one step forward. His willingness to continue to engage and advocate for policies allows the movement to expand,” Dr. Daughtry remarked. “Lets us engage in dialogues and recommit ourselves to this change,”
the Rev. added.

“It is still happening and will continue, but let us continue to force the bends, guided by the memories of Dr. King,” Daughtry declared.

The head of the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, the Rev. Dr. Rashad Raymond Moore, spoke on the struggles the community will have to face: “We are at the nadir…but we will have to recommit and uplift the legacy of Dr. King,” he said.

New York State Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who serenaded the Rev. Daughtry with Stevie Wonder’s version of the “Happy Birthday” song, asked that the public aim its dissatisfactions at the right place and engage the source directly to help achieve change.

Doriel Larrier of the National Council of Negro Women said, “As we honor Dr. King, we look to the future and is asking, what do you say to your children?,” Larrier stated that the community should demand accountability from its leaders.

Other speakers who also engaged the audience in rising to the challenges and advocating for changes to enhance the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King were Rev. Dr. Gabby Coujoe-Wilkes, NY City Council Member Farah Louis, representing the 45th district, and Council Member Rita Joseph, representing the 40th council.

The beautiful rendition of songs coming from the melodious voice of the psalmist, Neisha Walcott, echoed throughout the sanctuary during the ceremony, enabling the mood of the audience on what was happening. Around them was the voice of the singer Rodney Johnson, singing the song “A Change is Gonna Come.”