King of Peace: Remembering the Great Civil Rights Leader

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, "I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality." It was beliefs like this that fueled the great civil rights icon and inspired him to speak out against discrimination, the Vietnam War, and poverty in hopes of attaining universal love and social and economic equality. In remembrance of the ecumenical leader, the Jewish Community Center hosts its third annual commemoration, which features performances by Grammy-nominated Jewish gospel singer Joshua Nelson (who has shared the stage with greats like Aretha Franklin), the New York City Interdenominational Gospel Choir, and the HaZamir International Jewish High School Choir. Special guests include Carolyn Goodman, mother of civil rights worker Andrew Goodman (who was killed in Mississippi in 1964), and Howard Dodson, director of the Schomburg Center. Earlier in the day, a parade in celebration of the reverend's birthday will trail down Fifth Avenue.