Ocean City helps to keep Dr. King's "dream" alive

The Rev. Gregory Johnson tried to imagine what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have written in his emails or on his smartphone if the revered civil rights leader were still alive today.

Johnson wondered, for instance, would Dr. King believe that his “dream” for racial equality and harmony still remains alive more than 60 years after he delivered his seminal “I Have a Dream” speech?

“This dream no longer belongs in the history books or on the memorials. It belongs to us now – how we treat one another, how we govern, how we invest in the next generation, how we respond to moments of crisis. The dream lives whenever we choose dignity over division,” Johnson said.

Johnson spoke during keynote remarks Monday at Ocean City’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance. For about 30 years, Johnson has recited Dr. King’s epic “I Have a Dream” speech in what is traditionally one of the most powerful and poignant moments of the ceremony.

Addressing the audience at the Ocean City Tabernacle, Johnson assured everyone that he will not give up in pursuing Dr. King’s dream – and helping others to do so as well.

“It’s been 30 years since I’ve been doing this, and, guess what, I’m not tired yet,” he said.

    Vocalist Alicia Gadson sings "Lift Every Voice and Sing" while accompanied by pianist Durrell Rose.
  

Johnson called Dr. King’s Aug. 28, 1963, speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., far more than a moment in history.

“The dream was not a moment in history. It was a direction, and a direction requires that we’d be faithful and that we’d be committed to seeing that the journey goes to the end. Dreams do not disappear overnight.  They fade when they’re no longer practiced,” he warned.

Johnson, a former Ocean City councilman, is the interim pastor at the Mount Pisgah Methodist Church in Vineland.  He characterized Ocean City as being an example of hope, unity and racial relations for the entire nation to emulate.

“Ocean City leads by an example of what this nation can look (like) when we learn to love each other, when we work together, when we struggle together. Dr. King understood that. All he wanted was for all of us to be able to sit down at the table of brotherhood together,” Johnson said.

However, Johnson also noted that the nation continues to struggle with political divisions, economic hardship, violence and racial injustice.

“Many people are not hopeless because they are indifferent. They are hopeless because they are tired of keep trying and trying and trying,” he said.

“They participate, they believe progress is being made, and they are tired of waiting for change to come. To them, we must be clear today: Your efforts are not wasted. Progress has never moved in a straight line. Every generation carries the responsibility of its own push in this nation,” he continued.

    Dignitaries and award winners gather on stage at the Ocean City Tabernacle.
  

Johnson urged the audience to help carry on Dr. King’s dream into future generations by “planting seeds” that will lead to positive changes in the country.

“Dr. King understood that victories would come later, carried on by people he never knew. All of us here today will plant seeds that we will never see bloom. But when you go home and you get with your family and you get with your children, plant the seeds. Although we may not see it grow, plant it and allow the future to carry the seed and allow it to bloom in a way that America will always be strong,” he said.

In addition to Johnson’s remarks, the hour-long ceremony honored Dr. King with famous quotes, songs and essays by local students.

Soloist Alicia Gadson gave a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “We Shall Overcome” while accompanied by pianist Durrell Rose.

Dr. Constance Pritchard, Sister Joelle Thren and Jennifer Shirk each received the city’s Martin Luther King Service Award this year to recognize their volunteerism and leadership in the community.

“These are three of the hardest-working women that I know,” Mayor Jay Gillian said while presenting awards to Pritchard, Shirk and Sister Joelle.

    Mayor Jay Gillian presents the award to Sister Joelle Thren.
  

Among other service, Dr. Pritchard has volunteered with the English Language Learning program at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church since 2012, and she’s currently the lead instructor.

Sister Joelle has served St. Damien Parish for more than 25 years and leads many intergenerational education and service programs for Ocean City residents.

Shirk has been a volunteer with many community organizations, including the Ocean City Community Wellness Alliance, the Ocean City Free Public Library, the Ocean City Education Foundation and the Ocean City Exchange Club.

All three women said they were honored and humbled in being named award winners. They each expressed their thanks to other volunteers who have helped them immensely in their service to the community.

“I consider it an incredible gift to live on this island,” Dr. Pritchard said.

The three award winners were also presented with state and county proclamations from Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen and Cape May County Commissioners Bob Barr and Melanie Collette.

    Ocean City Intermediate School students Tierney Kane, Elena Marini, Randy Scarborough and Leah Datti are recognized for their winning essays about Dr. King.
  

Also during the ceremony, four students from grades 7 and 8 at the Ocean City Intermediate School were honored for their winning essays on the influence of Dr. King, who was assassinated in 1968.

Intermediate School Principal Matt Engle introduced the essay winners, Tierney Kane and Randy Scarborough of seventh grade, and Leah Datti and Elena Marini of eighth grade.

Reading from their essays, the students noted how Dr. King used peaceful methods to fight against racism and injustice while promoting his vision for equality in America.

“I hope you find their words as inspiring as I do,” Engle told the audience about the students.

As is tradition, the ceremony was followed by a complimentary soul food buffet luncheon at the Tabernacle.

    Award winner Dr. Constance Pritchard celebrates with state Assemblyman Antwan McClellan.
  

    Award winner Jennifer Shirk, left, receives a proclamation from Cape May County Commissioner Melanie Collette.
  

    A complimentary lunch is served to community members after the ceremony.