Event generates largest turnout in 25-year history

A committee coordinated three events in as many days.
By KATIE LIBECCO
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Hundreds of people came together to worship and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. at Price Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church.
Event coordinators said more than 600 worshippers attended the Sunday afternoon program in the church, 920 Dryden Ave.
The 25th annual community worship included readings of the New Testament, the Quran and the Hebrew scriptures. Music was performed by Antioch Gospel Choir and St. Luke Catholic School Children's Choir. The Rev. Ernest Ellis of Antioch Baptist Church led the worshippers in singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing."
The worship was coordinated by the Martin Luther King Planning Committee of Mahoning County. The committee began holding tributes to honor King more than 25 years ago. Organizers said this weekend's events generated the largest turnout.
"It's good to see the change in attitude. Sometimes you start to feel down about things, but then the sunlight comes through and gives us hope," said the Rev. Lonnie Simon, one of the planning committee's founding members.
Price Memorial's the Rev. Daniel Webb was host pastor.
"We are here today to reaffirm that although a sniper's bullet took his life, he did not take the dream," the Rev. Mr. Webb said during the 21/2-hour service.
Sermon
The Rev. Morris Lee of Third Baptist Church in Youngstown gave the main sermon, speaking of King's life, segregation and his own dreams for the future.
"It meant a great deal to me to speak during this service," the Rev. Mr. Lee said. "I feel that it's very important to keep the image going of what King was, what he stood for."
Mr. Lee's sermon, which included reflections on his own experiences in addition to King's teachings, brought worshippers to their feet.
"We want to make sure that the people and their children, and their children's children, never forget King and the principles he stood for," the Rev. Lewis W. Macklin said.
He and Rabbi Joel Berman have been co-organizers for the MLK Planning Committee of Mahoning County for the past three years.
Other events
This year, they coordinated three events in as many days. In addition to the worship service, there was a musical tribute Saturday night at Powers Auditorium. The Rev. Mr. Macklin said about 1,800 people attended the concert.
"It was really encouraging because there were a lot of young people in the audience. We're always afraid that the next generation won't feel as intimate a connection with King, but it was positive seeing the young audience," Mr. Macklin said.
He said there will be a workshop from 8:30 a.m. to noon today at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 Wick Ave., with the theme "Increase the Peace."
The workshop will offer components for all ages and is designed to celebrate King's life. Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and Superintendent Wendy Webb of Youngstown City Schools are scheduled to speak.
Mr. Macklin referred to educating people about King's life and principles as a responsibility.