The community of Glen Cove came out this week, as it does each year, to honor and keep alive the memory of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day began with the traditional march from the First Baptist Church on Continental Place to the Wunsch Auditorium at Finley Middle School, a march made in tribute to Dr. King's steps toward equality and voting rights in Montgomery, Selma and Washington, D.C. The Glen Cove march was replete with song and spirit led by Sheryl Goodine.

Ms. Goodine was also on hand to present a certificate of recognition to keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Craig Wright, pastor of Calvary AME Church, from the City of Glen Cove Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commemorative Commission. Rev. Wright advised the assemblage to "wake up and take on some unfinished business"...that is, guiding our youth, participating in government and dealing with the real world issues, not reality TV. Also honored by the commission were Brooke Moore and Robert Simmons, acknowledged for many years of dedicated volunteer efforts to provide refreshments during the annual tribute to Dr. King.

Father Emmanuel Gratsias of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection gave the invocation and Rev. Betsy Simpson of the First Presbyterian Church gave the benediction. "Cantor Gitlin from Congregation Tifereth Israel sang and had the crowd on its feet," said Ms. Goodine with a smile. Glen Cove Police and Fire Department Honor Guards graced the day with their attendance.

Performances included music, dance and poetry. The Glen Cove High School Select Chorale, Glen Cove Community Choir, the Spotlights (a group of senior singers), Voices for Christ from the First Church of God and Christ, the First Baptist Church Mass Choir and an a cappella group called the Glory Spirit Singers all filled the auditorium with music. The Aspiring Young Artists, both junior and senior divisions, danced and two poets, Mazur Thomas, an 11th-grade student, and Deborah Reed, a community activist, read original poetry.

According to Ms. Goodine, the annual celebration embraces participation from more and more organizations and individuals every year. "The coming together and the community spirit is so strong," she said. "I know my father, Jimmy Davis, was smiling up in heaven."