Over 200 people gathered at the United Church of Jaffrey on Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. and his lasting impact on the world.
The theme surrounding the Jaffrey Civic Center event was “What is Courage?” Throughout the evening, poems, songs, and speeches all painted a vibrant picture a constant trait constantly portrayed by Dr. King.
“Courage is speaking your mind when everyone seems to be against you, because who knows, you might find someone who is just like you,” said SJ Barney during her performance “What is Courage?” the poem that won the performed category of the Civic Center’s poetry contest.
NH Poet Laureate Alice Fogel gave the keynote address, titled “The Courage to be Unsure.”
“The courage to be unsure is related to the courage to do nothing. Doesn’t nothing get us into trouble or at least not get us out of it?” said Fogel. “I think what gets us into trouble is pain, and pain leads directly into increased fear, which makes us do dangerous things without thinking or thinking we know more than you do.”
Students were an integral part of the evening. Jaffrey-Rindge students sang songs, read poetry, and rang the church bell, which was part of a national bell-ringing ceremony to honor Dr. King.
To end the evening, those in attendance gathered by candlelight to sing a Zulu hymn called “Siyahamba” which means “We Are Marching.”