Moderator Craig Melvin (left) and Dr. Clarence B. Jones in conversation during the 18th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Library on January 14.
More than 600 people congregated at The Westport Library’s Trefz Forum on Sunday, January 14, to be part of history at the 18th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
The afternoon’s guest of honor, Dr. Clarence B. Jones, a former advisor and speechwriter for Dr. King, recalled his time working with King in a conversation that was heartfelt, funny, and emotional — and always memorable.
It was a star-studded affair that included NBC News anchor Craig Melvin, who moderated the discussion with Dr. Jones; award-winning author and playwright Trey Ellis, who introduced Dr. Jones; and Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, who provided opening remarks, and New York Representative Ritchie Torres, who joined Melvin and Dr. Jones for the latter part of their conversation.
Violinist Kersten Stevens opened the event, and guest singer Christian Servance performed at its close, both to soaring receptions from the capacity crowd.
Photo credits: Olivier Kpognon @ O & Co. Media
Additional speakers included Harold Bailey, chair of TEAM Westport; Lisa Weitzman, who works alongside Dr. Jones at the Spill the Honey Foundation; and Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer.
The 18th annual celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, and the Westport Country Playhouse, as well as the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council, the two groups that hosted the inaugural celebration in 2006.
The full recording of the event is available on the Library’s YouTube channel.
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