MLK message resonates in Long Branch

MLK message resonates in Long Branch
David Brown announces retirement from council
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer
With the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. playing over loud speakers, Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider drew a parallel between King’s message and the diversity of Long Branch.

Sue Harrison, Ronald Mantley, Edna Daniels and Barbara Warren hold hands in unity and sing during the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Guild’s annual service held at the city’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park on Atlantic Avenue in Long Branch Jan. 18. Below: Joan Minor helps place a wreath at the monument to King. More photos at www.gmnews.com. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Sue Harrison, Ronald Mantley, Edna Daniels and Barbara Warren hold hands in unity and sing during the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Guild’s annual service held at the city’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park on Atlantic Avenue in Long Branch Jan. 18. Below: Joan Minor helps place a wreath at the monument to King. More photos at www.gmnews.com. PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff “This is the last ceremony of the year for the legacy of Dr. King,” said Schneider during the city’s annual service held on the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan. 18. “However, this isn’t the last moment in this town that we think about everything he’s meant.

“We have a blend of races and creeds and backgrounds,” he added. “We blend together and we work together.

“We’ve all done things together, we are members of the same organizations,” he continued. “That’s what makes Long Branch unique,” he said.

Schneider’s remarks came during the annual service held at the park named after the civil rights leader on Atlantic Avenue.

Councilman David Brown took the opportunity to announce he would not be seeking a fifth term on council.

“I’ve been associated with the MLK Guild for over 40 years,” Brown said to the crowd of about 30 at the memorial service. “I plan on continuing the work and memory of Dr. King.

“I am announcing officially that this will be my last year. After 29 years of [public service] I will step down. I think 30 years ago my wife wished I stepped down then.”

After announcing his retirement from public service after serving 16 years on the City Council and 13 years on the Zoning Board, Brown said that King’s legacy should be an example of service for the earthquake victims in Haiti.

“Dr. King’s legacy lives on in Long Branch,” he said. “We never want that dream to die, our friends and families in Haiti are suffering.

“We [Second Baptist Church] turned over our week’s proceedings to the people of Haiti,” he added. “That will continue this year because one donation is not going to help that country.

“It is an effort that is going to have to continue throughout the year as we try to help those who are suffering,” he continued.

Schneider also drew a parallel between King’s message and the presidency of Barack Obama.

“A year ago today we were 24 hours away from the inauguration of President Barack Obama,” he said. “He is out there fighting for things that were important to Dr. King, like jobs and health care and a safer world.”

Long Branch resident Hollis Cooper led the crowd in song, then Rabbi Gordon Yaffe of Ocean Township spoke of the significance of the holiday.

“American holidays have become days for picnics and parades,” he said, “days off from work and school to run errands and take advantage of the sales.

“For many, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become part of a three-day weekend. We can reflect upon the life and legacy of Dr. King,” he added. “To renew our commitment to the values and the ideals.”

The crowd stood gathered in front of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. monument, which is surrounded by a brick walkway with pavers inscribed with names of donors.

“As you look along the walkway, you see bricks,” said Carl Jennings, Recreation and Human Services director. “We are in the process of another fundraiser to raise funds in the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Jennings said those interested in sponsoring a brick paver should contact him at city hall.