Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
"Reliving the Dream" is the focus of this year's observance by the Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A luncheon scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday at Center Lake Pavilion, the observance is the 11th annual program honoring the slain civil rights leader.
The program will feature Wawasee High School students performing re-enactments of 1960s civil rights struggles. The students are members of the Amy VanLaningham Society.
The committee's annual program seeks to provide a forum to honor King's accomplishments and to continue to promote diversity in Kosciusko County.
Positive impacts of minorities in and on the community also will be emphasized, said Joseph Banks, chairman of the Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Inc.
"Laws tend to force activity and the activity they enforce is kind of a negative thing," Banks said recently. "But our program is positive in terms of reaching out to your neighbor, not trying to force anything, but to get people to think about kindness, to make people aware that there is pain in discrimination."
Banks said he believes Warsaw and Kosciusko County have made great strides in becoming multicultural and expanding attitudes.
"I think we're maturing," he said, stressing that Warsaw has a population of 12,000 but has a much more cosmopolitan atmosphere than a small population would imply.
He also said he is encouraged by the attendance at the annual luncheon, which last year hosted 210 people. The fact that attendees included leaders from business, law enforcement and education also is encouraging, Banks said.
"I think when the community leaders come together to do this, that says something about the community," he said.
The program is open to the public for a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Wawasee students who will participate in the re-enactment are Sandy Drake, Alena List, Susanna Rodriquez, Jaxon Swain, Jane Wamsley and Chris Van der Reyden. They will perform under the direction of Jeff Van Drie.
