MLK Day event preps for large crowds
by Cindy Pitts, Staff Writer
4 years ago | 403 views | 0 0 comments | 3 3 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Packed churches have led organizers of the local Martin Luther King Day celebration to a new venue, and expanding the observance to an all-day event.

The festivities will kick off with the annual march at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the Community Hall in downtown Newberry.

Participants will walk to Wiles Chapel at Newberry College where a program will begin 10 a.m.

The program was moved to Wiles Chapel because other churches were not large enough to hold the crowd, said organizer Travis Reeder.

Singers from New Beginnings Fellowship, the Mission of Newberry High School, Metoka Galeda from Newberry College, New Enoree Mass Choir, New Vision, New Mass Choir and Jeffery Lampkin and Company will perform at the service.

The keynote address will be given by Newberry native Marvin Caldwell.

Caldwell grew up in Newberry and is a Newberry College graduate. He then attended the Lutheran Seminary in Columbia and became a Baptist preacher in Philadelphia. Caldwell has since returned to South Carolina and became a Methodist preacher and preached in Myrtle Beach and Clover.

As a child, Caldwell spent much of his time at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Newberry.

Caldwell's message is expected to have a dual message of encouraging the community and finding ways to become as one.

Other speakers will include Rembert Billie, Tito Jones, Wayne Pratt, Reuben Smalls, Travis Bellinger, Moses Rembert, Nura Ray Matthews, William B. Brown, Anderson Gray, James Caldwell and James Williams.

After the service, the crowd will be able to see a step show by different groups at the Clara Wertz Gym in the Grant Homes complex. Also, a health fair will be held at the gym. Newberry College students will also host activities for children. The event should conclude around 4 p.m.

Reeder says he hopes the local Martin Luther King Foundation will receive funds to help organize after-school activities for students in the future.

“We need more activities in Newberry,“ he said.
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