Martin Luther King Jr. Day events planned in Sunderland, Greenfield

Children from the Twice As Smart youth choir perform during Greenfield Community College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in 2023. The group will return to perform at Monday’s 26th annual event.

Children from the Twice As Smart youth choir perform during Greenfield Community College’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in 2023. The group will return to perform at Monday’s 26th annual event. STAFF FILE PHOTO/CHRIS LARABEE

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 01-16-2025 11:44 AM

For the second year in a row, the Sunderland Human Rights Task Force’s weekly standout is expanding for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On any given Monday morning, members of the group gather in downtown Sunderland at the intersection of Routes 116 and 47 holding signs affirming their support for racial justice and equity. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day — the only federal holiday dedicated to volunteer service — on Jan. 20, the task force is expanding the standout in honor of the peace activist.

The standout will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue through 9:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., though, folks will be invited outside the First Congregational Church of Sunderland for welcoming remarks from the Rev. Randy Calvo, according to Sunderland Human Rights Task Force member Kim Audette.

“I think it’s a way to keep the issues alive and to let people know that, with everything else going on in the world, this is still a major issue for us as Americans,” Audette said. “We haven’t seen any major changes and we’re scared that there will be change backwards. … This is our way of saying, ‘No we still hold these values and still support equality, equity and justice for all.’”

In his remarks, Calvo said he will likely draw from King’s final book, “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” The book reflects upon the civil rights movement and the message of hope.

“He stood up for everything that I think is right and true to the gospel. He’s like a hero to me,” Calvo said, adding that this is an opportune moment to push back against what he sees as a rising tide of hate. “I do think there is more of a tolerance for racist remarks and actions, and I think that needs to be countered.”

Attendees are welcome to bring their favorite quote from King, as well as signs, if possible. There will be extra signs available for people, too.

There will also be several other Martin Luther King Jr. Day events throughout the Pioneer Valley.

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Greenfield Community College’s 26th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration kicks off Monday at 10 a.m. The event for all ages features dance, arts, crafts, education, music and food. Calvin Hill, vice chancellor for inclusive excellence and belonging at the University of Massachusetts Boston, will serve as the keynote speaker, as he presents “Advancing Our Beloved Community in a Time of Uncertainty.” Advance registration at gcc.mass.edu/events/martin-luther-king-jr-day-celebration is strongly encouraged.

Following registration, workshops for all ages will kick off around the college campus, including “Freedom Dances from Senegal,” a story hour for children centered on King’s legacy, an art workshop, a presentation on Black Greenfield residents that helped shaped Greenfield in the 19th and 20th centuries, and a discussion with regional leaders on how to create and nurture a caring community.

At 11:30 a.m., the program will then welcome folks back to the Cohn Family Dining Commons to welcome new Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Angela Campbell, who will then be followed by Hill’s presentation. Hill’s talk will focus on community against the backdrop of King’s quote, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

The Greenfield event will also feature performances by the GCC Community Choir and the Twice As Smart children’s choir. Lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.

In Northampton, the BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity at 130 Pine St. will welcome folks for an MLK Day Service Fair from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday. The event is designed to connect people who are looking to get more involved in their communities with organizations that are making a difference. More information is available at bombyx.live/events/mlk-day-service-fair.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.