New Bedford hosts annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day program

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — New Bedford’s Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Program was held at the International Church of the Nazarene.

The event was sponsored by the city’s Department of Community Services, its Human Rights Commission, and the Office of the Mayor.

It featured musical performances and remarks from Mayor Jon Mitchell and keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Sandra Gatlin Whitley, who is the senior pastor at Bethel A.M.E. Church in New Bedford.

“New Bedford is committed to Dr. King’s timeless values of peace, justice, and service,” Mitchell said.

The event also featured the winners of the MLK Creative Expressions contest, which included essays, poetry, and art.

“I am honored to be able to be here and share and encourage our young people,” Whitley said. “To be able support and help these young people today, for their dream to come alive.”