Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream continues

MOSES LAKE - Several churches helped keep Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream alive in Moses Lake on Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday.

The theme of this year's celebration was "Change, we must follow the dream." The featured speaker was Rev. Raymond Tobin Sr., a pastor at New Light Missionary Baptist Church.

The Moses Lake Gospel Community Choir, Say Yes Lord Ministries and the New Light Missionary Baptist Church choir sang several songs at the celebration, held at the Assembly of God Church.

"I think the singing from all three groups who sang was extremely good," said New Bride Baptist Church Pastor and Columbia Basin Herald newspaper carrier Rev. Lovell Lavender.

Lavender said the program was "very, very nice," while attendance was lower than in previous years. He attributed lower attendance to the cold weather.

"Most people are just not going to get out in 8 degree weather," Lavender said.

Lavender made a speech at the event about his experiences marching in Alabama with Martin Luther King Jr.

"I actually met Martin Luther King (Jr.) and shook hands with him," he said.

Lavender said he marched with the activist in Birmingham, Selma and Tuscaloosa, and was arrested twice during marches.

He was there for Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech.

A video recording of the speech was played at Monday's celebration.

Lavender said everyone is better off because of Martin Luther King Jr.'s efforts. He described Martin Luther King Jr. as a humanitarian.

When people from different backgrounds get together for the celebration, they learn from one another, equip each other and encourage each other, he said.

"A whole community can be no stronger than the weakest community," Lavender said.