For 18 years, Westport has celebrated Martin Luther King Day in a special way.
Through speakers, panels, videos and arts performances, we’ve learned a lot.
But Sunday’s event was extra-special.
Dr. Clarence Jones — Dr. King’s speechwriter, personal attorney and confidant — offered a behind-the-scenes view of his friend’s public and personal lives.
Hundreds of people of all ages — from Westport and beyond — packed the Westport Library.
They were enlightened, inspired, mesmerized and energized by the 93-year-old Dr. Jones’ passion, stories and insights. He made the past come alive; he tied it to today, and pointed toward tomorrow.
Attendees called it “profoundly moving,” “wonderfully emotional,” and “a day I’m proud to say I’m a Westporter.”
Dr. Clarence Jones greets attendees after his talk. (Photo/Matthew Slossberg)
For nearly 2 decades, several organizations have worked together to make Martin Luther King Day meaningful.
In much of the nation, it’s a day off from work or school. In Westport, it’s an educational tool — and a reminder that while our history is imperfect, and much work remains to be done, every individual has the power to take a stand, and make a change.
Dr. Jones was joined by 2 other noted speakers: Senator Richard Blumenthal, and New York Congressman Ritchie Torres. Westport resident and NBC News anchor Craig Melvin led the discussion.
From left: Congressman Ritchie Torres, Craig Melvin, Dr. Clarence Jones. (Photo/Caitlin Jacob)
But the afternoon belonged to Dr. Jones. And none of it would have happened without a true “team.”
Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council initiated our town’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.
This year’s event was a partnership between the Westport Library, TEAM Westport, and the Westport Country Playhouse.
To all who envisioned a townwide Dr. King celebration nearly 2 decades ago, and to all who made this year’s event particularly impactful: Thank you.
You are truly our Unsung Heroes of the Week.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To help support this hyper-local blog, click here. Thank you! To see Dr. Jones’ full presentation, click below.)
Thank you for this post today, Dan. It truly reflects the road beginning with the Westport/Weston Interfaith Council events held in church halls to the Westport Country Playhouse venue and now to the Westport Library forum. I am pleased that I was a part of its beginnings in the churches as part of the Interfaith lay group. We’ve come a long way to the greater good of the meaning of this annual celebration.
Thank you Mr Woog for sharing this with ‘no longer locals’!!
Thank you Dr Jones for sharing your life’s stories with Dr King. And in the wider forum, thank you Senator Blumenthal for your long, honest, upright and heart felt service to this state and to the nation, especially in these very demanding times.