Monday, January 21, 2008

Walking the Walk

Decades after the death of Martin Luther King Jr., the children of Reading continue his march for peace. Today marks the twelfth year in which the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County has commemorated the birth and message of this fallen hero. But this year was something special. Our children stepped up of their own accord and decided to march the streets of Reading with signs of peace and unity. Regardless of what others might think, there seems to be an inherent want and desire for non-violence. It simply needs to be nourished by programs such as the Olivet. These children have raised the bar for our community. They are to be respected and treasured for their actions.
What makes this event even more meaningful is that the call for peace and unity has crossed the generations. Sovereign Bank sponsored this event. It was wonderful to see such a large corporation take its place in the community as a provider for activities such as this one. Ramona Turpin said, “Sovereign Bank takes great pleasure in supporting our children and community.” Also in attendance as volunteers were Reading High’s ROTC program, Kutztown University, Penn State University, the NAACP, the Sisterhood, Hear and Now, Eastern Star, Reading Crime Prevention, Berks County Sheriff’s, North 8th Street Church of God, Amerihealth Mercy, T. Jaker Funeral Home, Comcast, Olivet Ladies Auxiliary, and Milestone Community Health Care.