Ocean City Celebrates Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Saturday, Ocean City continued its January tradition of celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday.

Ocean City was the first community in Cape May County to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration was initiated a few years after his death by the late Rozelia Cobb, a beloved teacher at the Ocean City Intermediate School.

The tradition is carried forward today by former a former city councilman, the Rev. Gregory Johnson. The event took place at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center at Ocean City High School.

Johnson delivered a message and an inspirational reading of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.” In his address, Johnson spoke of Ocean City's ongoing efforts to recover from Superstorm Sandy, which made a near-direct hit on the island on Oct. 29.

"We survived," Johnson said. "We must not rest until our neighbors and our children are all restored ... Yes, Dr. King would be satisfied, because he knew that the residents of Ocean City stood against every wave, all the sand that washed ashore. We stood together. It was not about black. It was not about white. It was about unity. We ought to be proud of what we have accomplished."

The celebration also included a greeting from Mayor Jay Gillian, music from the Bubby Fan Gospel Group and soloist Carly Del Sorda, and scripture readings. It concluded with the singing of "We Shall Overcome."

Day of Service events in honor of Dr. King continue on Monday.

DAY OF SERVICE

The City of Ocean City in conjunction with the Ocean City Clean Communities Program will hold the annual citywide clean up on Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon. Families, individuals and groups are encouraged to volunteer and help with this important community event.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service marks the beginning of the year of service as millions of Americans honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and volunteer their time to improve their communities. Ocean City has participated in the Day of Service since 2008.

Volunteers should register and pick up supplies beginning at 9 a.m. at the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center located at 1735 Simpson Avenue and should wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The city will provide gloves and trash bags.

All volunteers are invited back to the Howard S. Stainton Senior Center after the clean up for food and warm beverages.

Groups or organizations wishing to participate should call the Ocean City Public Works Department at 609-399-6111 ext. 9711 or 9702.

CROOK HORN CREEK CLEANUP

The Ocean City Community Association will hold a cleanup on Monday, Jan. 21 in partnership with the Campbell Soup Company, the Ocean City Public Works Department and the Ocean City Environmental Commission. Please meet at 10 a.m. at the entrance to Crook Horn Creek nature area located at the corner of 51st Street and Haven Avenue. The time is 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The city will provide the bags, gloves and other cleanup tools. Refreshments will be available.

Please contact Teresa Coggshall at 267-210-0114 or e-mail her at tmcoggshall@gmail.com for more information.