Community leaders filed into First Baptist Church this morning, taking a reprieve from the harsh outdoors to celebrate the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Following essay readings by local grade schoolers — who were introduced by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos — Galesburg School Board member and Knox College Director of Multicultural Student Advisement Tianna Cervantez delivered the keynote speech at the annual community breakfast.
“I’m asking you, where can you volunteer your time and your talents to ensure that your community can become better?” she asked. “I understand that giving of yourself in this way is hard. You may find yourself in situations where you’re working with someone that is different from you in race, creed or class. I argue that is why you should step in — so that you can see, regardless of those characteristics, we are more similar than different.”
Rev. Tyson Parks III told WGIL the diverse gathering of about 150 people was a good sign.
“That’s showing that there is social pluralism and we’re living it out in the community of Galesburg,” Parks said. We are inclusive, and look at the young people that are here. These are values and beliefs that will be passed down from generation to generation, so there is hope.”
Carl Sandburg College’s Women of Character and Men of Distinction helped serve breakfast.
