CCMLK Announces 2022 Program With Keynote Speaker Melvin Adams
CCMLK Announces 2022 Program With Keynote Speaker Melvin Adams
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Staff Report-
CCMLK Announces 2022 Program With Keynote Speaker Melvin AdamsThe Committee to Commemorate Martin Luther King (CCMLK) announced the 34th Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Event.
The 2022 celebration will be Jan. 17 at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center on the Grace College campus. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the program is scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event is former professional NCAA All-American basketball player and member of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, Melvin Adams.
Adams was challenged early in life with extremely negative circumstances; however, he dreamed of playing professional basketball, according to a news release from CCMLK. At the age of 13, his father passed away. When life consistently gave Adams new difficulties, he turned to sports. Adams' hard work and dedication to his teams kept him from trouble. During these years, he led the district in assists and steals, and averaged 16 points per game for the Eisenhower High School's Eagles.
Eventually, Adams joined the Harlem Globetrotters and was named Mr. Globetrotter more times than one. On March 17, 2000, Adams retired from the Harlem Globetrotters to fulfill a new dream – to challenge individuals to personal success through focus, work and persistence. Today, he is privileged to speak before student and adult audiences, sharing his personal story and inspiring others to see their dreams become realities, the release states.
“We are honored that Melvin Adams has decided to spend his MLK Day in Warsaw,” stated John Bryan Lowe III, president of the CCMLK. “We strive to bring dynamic, relevant speakers to our community to honor Dr. King. We know that Adams will offer a unique perspective that will be inspirational to many in attendance.”
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Event is free to attend and is intended for people of all ages in Kosciusko County. Children are encouraged to participate if they do not have school. There will be free lunches provided for the first 300 people in attendance.
Donations are welcome for those interested in partnering with the CCMLK for next year’s event, which can be given in person on Jan. 17 or through the online fundraiser through MudLOVE at https://bit.ly/3zvvtk4.
Contributors to the fundraiser can donate a monetary amount or purchase a bracelet to show their support and give back.
The Warsaw Community Schools choir will perform, and the ROTC will present the colors.
Those unable to attend in person can watch a live stream of the event on CCMLK’s Facebook page: search “Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Warsaw, Indiana, USA'' or “@ccmlkwarsaw."
The CCMLK will have applications for the 2022 scholarship, which will go to a high school student in Kosciusko County who demonstrates extraordinary citizenship, exemplifying the principles taught by Dr. King and intends on pursuing a college degree. The winner of the scholarship will be announced in May. Those interested in applying for the scholarship should contact their guidance counselor or visit the CCMLK Facebook page.
Founded in 1987 by Joe Banks, Lynn Pulliam and Durell Hoskins, the CCMLK of Warsaw exists to provide a forum in which Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a great Black American, is appropriately commemorated in the county, the release states. The committee strives to provide challenges to people of all ages to study the principles of love, family, brotherhood and self-sacrifice as taught by the words, deeds and life of Dr. King. The CCMLK has honored the efforts of students for many years through Academic Excellence Awards, which give students of minority backgrounds scholarships to continue their education to the post-secondary level. The committee provides motivation to implement nonviolent social change through caring for others, strengthening the family, personal involvement in the suffering of others and civic participation.
CCMLK Board of Directors are: President John Bryan Lowe, Secretary Alyssa Lowe, Treasurer Kathy Madden, Director of Promotion Melanie Woodruff, Grants & Special Projects Coordinator Krista Polston, Cokiesha Bailey-Robinson and Sylvester Thomas.
