Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

This morning I attended the (virtual) 33rd Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast hosted by the Crispus Attucks Community Center. It is always a privilege to participate in this keystone event for such an integral part of the Lancaster community.

The words shared by our former council president and county commissioner Ron Ford, illustrating a vision where everyone is working together to realize the “beloved community,” one without scarcity and based in care for fellow man, described how each of us has a responsibility to move us all closer to this vision.

This vision resonates deeply with me, not just as someone who desires racial justice in our time but as someone with a position and mandate to make progress towards this goal. This is why I am making the city’s commitments to racial equity clear across all areas of city services.

I also have had the opportunity to support the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for J.P. McCaskey High School graduating seniors who have been accepted to an accredited higher education program and have demonstrated financial need. As you too reflect on this day, and the moment we are in as a nation, consider joining me in making a contribution to this fund, advancing equity in Lancaster’s future in the hopes of one day fully achieving our beloved community.

— Danene Sorace