WHAT: Services + Parade March
WHEN: Monday, January 20, 2020
WHERE: Springfield Baptist Church, 8 Church Street (aka Mattie Cooper Square)

On Monday, January 20, 2020, for the 42nd year, a daylong celebration for Martin Luther King Jr. is planned at the Springfield Baptist Church from the Southern Dutchess Coalition (SDC). For the seventh year, the Pete Seeger Community “Dr. King Parade” will commence with a march around the block in the morning, with people returning back to the church for the performance pieces and service. Last year, the event was postponed due to an unexpected ice storm. This year, the snow(/ice) date is Monday, February 17, 2020.

Themes & Performances For The MLK Birthday Celebration

According to the organizers: “The 2020 SDC Birthday Celebration promises to be another glorious example of Beacon’s Unity, Community and Diversity!”

This year’s main theme is: “If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?” Continuing the celebration of future leaders, the Southern Dutchess Coalition will present the seventh annual essay contest, which will take place after the parade. The theme of the annual essay contest is: “Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere.”

Schedule For The Day

Here’s how the day is going to go on Monday, January 20, 2020 (snow date is February 17, 2020):

8 am: Dr. King Continental Breakfast (rolls, assorted buns, bagels, coffee, tea)
9:30 am: Opening Session
9:45 to 10:30 am: 7th Annual Pete Seeger/SDC Community Dr. King Parade. Participants are encouraged to bring peace signs.
11 am to 12:50 pm: Annual Celebration Dinner (turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, toss salad and dessert, courtesy of sponsors and contributors)
Annual Youth/Adult Talent
MLK Essay Contest Winners/Presentations - Theme: “Injustice Anywhere Is A Threat To Justice Everywhere.”
1 pm: Annual Celebration Service, from the Rev. Dr. Ronald O. Perry Sr., Pastor.
Persons Of The Year Awards presented to Judge Peter Forman, Beulah Jackson, Patricia White and Goldee Greene.

Organizers for this event include Jennifer Baker-McClinton, Executive Chairperson of SDC; Sharlene Stout, Vice Chairperson & Music Coordinator of SDC; and Bonnie Champion, Parade & Essay Contest Coordinator.

Sponsorship Opportunity For Future Years

“There has never been or will be a charge for any food served to our participants and guests,” exclaim the organizers. If you ever wondered how all of this gets pulled off each year, with two meals being served for free and other organizing event details paid for, it is with contributions from patrons and sponsors. Contributors are listed in the program.

To contribute to or sponsor the following year, please contact the Chairperson via email prazingaljenny@gmail.com or (845) 454-2059. Your name will be listed in the annual program as one of the organizations or individual sponsors.