Moses Lake pastors honored at MLK event

MOSES LAKE - It was a night of dancing and entertainment as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee honored Moses Lake pastors at an appreciation banquet Saturday night in Moses Lake.

The event not only honored local pastors, but the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his message of equality and religion. This is the second year of the pastor appreciation banquet.

A crowd of more than 150 people watched a half-hour performance of traditional Mexican dances from children wearing colorful dresses and costumes at the Moses Lake Event Center. Children from the Harambee Theater Group in Moses Lake recited the famous "I Have a Dream" and "Free at Last" speeches. The group of about 10 children also performed a play honoring the civil rights movement. The group is run by Maryamu Givens and local children meet every Saturday to rehearse theater performances.

"This is what Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted: all the different cultures coming together," said Charlie Jones, chairman of the committee.

Jones said the dancing group came to him last minute, wanting to perform at the banquet. Jones said he didn't hesitate adding them in.

The pastors in attendance were recognized by the crowd, and were given carnations by children in the audience after being honored.

Volunteers from the Columbia Basin Job Corps helped prepare and serve the food.

A number of items were also auctioned as part of a silent auction, including tool sets and gift baskets. The proceeds from the auction and tickets for the event will go to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee, a non-profit organization.

Givens will be the speaker at the annual event honoring King at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Grace Harvest Church, located at 313 N. Fig St., Moses Lake.