ANDOVER — “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said late civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr.
Albert Pless repeated those words, now one of King’s more famous quotes, during a memorial celebration Sunday morning at Andover Baptist Church.
Through prayer, song, poetry and speech, King was remembered by those who attended, including Pless, the diversity, equity and inclusion director of Reading and formerly of Andover.
Pless, the keynote speaker, began his remarks with another of King’s quotes:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” Pless said.
He read the quote twice and then asked the congregation to silently think about the words for 30 seconds.
“The message is as pertinent now as it was during his lifetime … indeed, there is so much more to be done,” Pless said.
He spoke of King’s civil disobedience and peaceful protests in which he and others participated “at the risk of their own safety.” Pless said it’s “inconceivable” to think now about how it was once illegal for black and white people to marry.
“Yet, the fact is, it wasn’t that long ago,” Pless said.
To celebrate King, Pless urged all to keep learning and “question ourselves and be honest about the answers.”
The flags of many countries are hung in the church, a reflection of the many cultures that worship there.
Patrice Russell noted that King inspired so many others to fight for social justice and equity. Some 955 streets in the United States are named after him, she said.
Jonas and Jyles Hall read poems by Amanda Gorman, the first person to be named national youth poet laureate. Aisosa Oviesogie sang a solo of “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”
There were also musical performances by the church’s Unity Choir, the Ahavat Olam band from Congregation Ahavat Olam and Songs for Smiles, a group from Andover High School.
Ralph Cornelius Bledsoe recited King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.
King was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. His birthday is observed as a federal holiday.
Follow staff reporter Jill Harmacinski on Twitter @EagleTribJill .