Dr. Toni Hall, director of the Pine Forge Academy Choir, leads her group in song at the "Keeping the Dream Alive!" celebration.   [Photo Credit:  Ryan Hill, Boyertown Area Times]

Keeping the Dream Alive!:  A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On January 18, 1999, members of the Boyertown Area Unity Coalition were very happy to participate in a community-wide celebration of the life, achievements, and ideals of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which was held at St. John's Lutheran Church in downtown Boyertown.  Not far from the street corner where the KKK has demonstrated monthly, this inaugural event attracted a large and enthusiastic crowd.  The Pine Forge Academy Choir began the party with several spiritual songs and the Negro National Anthem.  Community residents of diverse ethnic origins--including people of West African, German, and English heritage--told stories of their or their family's journey to America.  The evening concluded with a videotape of Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech, followed by the entire audience holding hands and singing "We Shall Overcome."

Excerpts from King's "I Have a Dream" Speech, at Webcorp.com

"A Lonely Island of Poverty." (143 K .wav)

A Telling Comparison. (132 K .wav)

King's dream for his people... (209 K .wav)

... for his children... (198 K .wav)

...for society -- "Free at Last!" (253 K .wav)

The Complete Text of King's Speech, with a study guide, from The Douglass Project at Northwestern University

Below are over 30 affirmations of diversity issued in conjunction with the celebration by many area companies, churches, and organizations:

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