Tammy Exum

On Monday the country will celebrate the legacy of one of our greatest civil rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.



This holiday allows us to reflect on the progress he inspired, while simultaneously re-committing ourselves to work towards his dream of racial equality and true freedom for all.



This year's celebration comes with a great honor for my family. For the first time, the West Hartford MLK Committee will award a member of our community the Earl Exum Servant Leader Award. The award, named after my late husband, recognizes those who dedicate themselves to setting a positive example, helping others grow, and improving our community.

Photo credit Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington, DC/Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

 

West Hartford's 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, free and open to the public, is set for Monday, January 20th, at the West Hartford town hall auditorium, 50 South Main Street, beginning at 10 a.m.



This wonderful, thought-provoking celebration will honor and remind us of the ideals and vision of the civil rights icon.  John Mills, a trained genealogist, a descendant of the enslaved, and president of the Alex Breanne Corporation, a Connecticut-based nonprofit, will be the keynote speaker.



Mark Walker will be presented with the first Earl Exum Servant Leader Award, which highlights an individual who focuses on serving others, fostering a supportive environment, and empowering people to grow.



This year's event message focuses on resiliency and points to a direct Dr. King quote: “If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” For more details on the event, please click HERE.



I hope to see you there!