The Springfield Baptist Church and the Southern Dutchess Coalition will again be hosting the 47th Annual Birthday Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20th, 2025 (rain date Monday, February 17th, 2025) at the historic Springfield Baptist Church (8 Mattie Cooper Square, Beacon, NY).

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. He died on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee. “Dr. King was a Baptist minister and social activist who led the Civil Rights movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968.” (Britannica)

This year's theme of the celebration in Beacon is "Keeping The Dream Alive." The organizers say of the event: “The 2025 MLK birthday celebration promises to be another glorious example of Beacon's Unity, Community and Diversity. This special occasion will bring together members of our community to honor Dr. King's enduring contributions to civil rights, equality, and justice. We have planned a meaningful program that includes inspiring speeches, musical performances, and reflections on Dr. King's impact. We look forward to your participation and attendance. God Bless You All!"

2025 Celebration Lineup:

8:30am - Continental Breakfast
9:30am - The 11th Annual MLK Jr. Parade (Founded by Pete Seeger)
10:30am - Annual Celebration Service
2025 Annual Preacher: Rev. Barbara Williams

Lunch will be served directly after the service. Attendees may eat in the dining room or take out their meals.

Featuring the Southern Dutchess Mass Choir

Under the direction of Minister John Harris, all singers are invited to join the SDC Choir to sing at the Martin Luther King, JR. Birthday Celebration on January 20th. Rehearsal is scheduled for Saturday, January 18th 2025 at 1pm at the Springfield Baptist Church.

Essay Contest Open

The 11th Annual SDC Essay Contest is open. Details include:

Open to 1st-12th Grade Students
Essay Title: Theme: “Keeping The Dream Alive”
Due Date: January 9, 2025
Contact: Mr. Matt Bown 845-522-0780

Donations

This event is free. Say the organizers: “Your consistent monetary contribution to our past celebrations helps to defray the cost of the overall expenses for this day. Donations can be mailed to: Southern Dutchess Coalition, P.O. Box 333, Beacon, NY 12508 Please make checks payable to the Southern Dutchess Coalition.

Organizers

Jennifer Baker-LcClinton (Executive Chairperson)
Sharlene Stout (Executive Vice Chairperson, Music Coordinator)
Bonnie Champion (Annual Parade and Essay Contest Coordinator)
Matt Bown (Annual Parade and Essay Contest Coordinator)