The audience in the auditorium at Wakefield High School got to its feet, hands joined and sang. From hundreds of Arlingtonians — diverse in age and race — came the chorus of “We Shall Overcome” at the end of the 47th annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 17.
“What started as an anthem for the Civil Rights movement has become an anthem for oppressed groups around the world,” said Nolan Williams Jr. before he led the “Voices of Inspiration” in song. His mother, Gloria Williams, was sitting three rows from the front and said she thought the performance was spectacular.
The event was filled with songs and dances from the Civil Rights-era, punctuated by short speeches from members of the County Board.
“This was one of the best we’ve ever had,” said Saundra Green, one of the event’s organizers. “It’s important that we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day to really understand his contributions. We can’t let his legacy die.”
“This was our first time coming out and it was amazing” said Javelle Teate. “I will be back again.”
Her young son, Christion Teate-Martin, had come to see the dancing, and gave the whole ceremony his enthusiastic approval. Every year, Javelle Teate says she reads stories about Martin Luther King Jr. to her son.
“This captured the history and the essence of the Civil Rights movement,” said Teate. “I wasn’t from that generation, so this makes it all feel very real.”