"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." These words were spoken by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the renowned civil rights leader and humanitarian in his " I Have a Dream" speech.

In honor of the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Ellenville Branch of the NAACP welcomed the community to its annual celebration of his life during a special Sunday evening service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Ellenville. The response to the celebration was large as people traveled from across the county for the event and filled the church in the early evening. "This is a celebration of his life, of his accomplishments. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. charted the course to make a difference and a better place for all of us," said Bishop Raymond Younger, one of evening's many many speakers. Pastors of neighboring congregations that honored, remembered and reflected upon King's sentiments read selected scriptures. Choirs from sister congregations lifted their voices and filled the church with their songs of praise and worship throughout the celebration.

Mayor Jeff Kaplan and Supervisor James Dolaway were invited by the NAACP to speak before the audience on the memory of King. Each acknowledged the contribution King had made in his lifetime. Mayor Kaplan wished to thank Maude Bruce, president of NAACP, for her effort and work in the community of Ellenville.

Ms. Bruce had the opportunity to march with King during the civil rights movement in Albany, Georgia. Bruce, along with 16 others and Dr. King, were arrested for "disturbing the peace" and were imprisoned for one night. "He made things better for people—all people," said Bruce when recollecting her experience with King.

Rev. Ray Anthony King, pastor of the St. Baptist Church of Middletown, was the selected speaker of the evening. King, a resident of Ellenville, spoke strongly and passionately. "I am not a speaker, but a preacher," said Middletown's Rev. King as he addressed the audience. "Dr. Martin Luther King's dream is being unfolded through you and I," he called out. "Dr. King didn't just have a dream, he was the dream," he added as his voice rose fervently.

The celebration lasted well into the evening and concluded with remarks from Maude Bruce, president of the NAACP. "Silence is dangerous. The issues King fought against are still facing us today," she said. Ending on a quote from King, Bruce added, "An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Light refreshments and fellowship followed after the evening's program.

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