The Southern Dutchess Coalition will host the 45th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at the historical Springfield Baptist Church at 8 Mattie Cooper Square, Beacon, New York, where the Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry, Sr. is the Pastor.

Festivities include morning mingling, the 9th Annual Community “Dr. King Peace Parade,” an addition added by the famous Beacon resident, the late Pete Seeger, followed by a Talent Presentation, and Award Ceremony.

The Annual SDC Celebration Service will feature the SDC Community Mass Choir and the Rev. John Perez, Pastor of the Faith Temple COGIC, Beacon, NY will give the annual Celebration Address.

Participants are encouraged to arrive at 8am. Parade line up is at 9:30am. People are encouraged to bring positive peace flags, posters and banners to carry in the parade. For those who would like to or need to ride, cars will be available as an alternative to walking.

Parade Route

The parade will start in front of the church, East on Mattie Cooper Square/Church Street, head South (right) on North Walnut Street (Key Food), then West (right) on Main Street (Max's on Main), followed by North (right) on Willow Street (M+T Bank), and finally East (right) back onto Mattie Cooper Square, returning to the church.

Talent Presentation

After the parade, in the Springfield Baptist Church Sanctuary, there will be a Talent Presentation, featuring various musical, poetry, dance and drama presentations.

Yearly presenters include Health Minister and RN, Lydia Pelote Wright, who will share vital information for healthy living. Several City, County and State Officials will be in attendance.

SDC 2023 Person Of The Year Awards

The Southern Dutchess Coalition will present the 2nd SDC Person Of The Year Awards. The recipients for 2023 will be:

• Sue Serino

• Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry

• Lemon Anderson

• Wayne Griffin

• Howard Goins

• Niomi Hart

• John and Priscilla Kelly

Jeanette Shelton-Briscoe, one of the founders of the Southern Dutchess Coalition, will present and discuss her new book “From Duck Hill to Fishkill.”