Community reflects on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Participants recited prayers.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Hempstead Town Clerk Nasrin Ahmad spoke to the crowd.

Susan Grieco/Herald

Students from the Hamza Academy made a presentation about King’s legacy.

Susan Grieco/Herald

• 
• 
• 

The Valley Stream Religious Council hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony on Jan. 15 at Masjid Hamza Islamic Center of South Shore.

“There were people of every background, many different religions, all ages, etc.,” said Marie McNair, of the religious council. “The hospitality of the mosque was outstanding, and the dinner was delicious.”

The event concluded with a dinner provided by the members of the mosque, which McNair said gave attendees the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with a diverse group of people. She thought the evening put the following words of Dr. King into action:

“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”

In addition to the several religious and political dignitary speakers, the 6th and 7th grade students from the Hamza Academy spoke about the principles exemplified in the life of King. Also, representatives from the Town of Hempstead presented citations to religious council members Rabbi Yechiel and David Mitchell for their contributions to the work of that organization.

As per tradition, the ceremony concluded with the audience’s singing of “We Shall Overcome.”