Published: January 21, 2008 11:58 am      

Remembering Dr. King

ACM events help keep civil rights leader's legacy alive

CUMBERLAND - Community members will have numerous chances to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a variety of fun, engaging formats in the coming months.

"We want this to be a fun way to make history come alive," said Cherie Snyder, director of human services and interactive health at Allegany College of Maryland.

Times and dates are yet to be finalized; the schedule will be posted on ACM's Web site at www.allegany.edu.

After receiving a $10,000 grant from the Maryland Humanities Council, ACM coordinated three months of Martin Luther King Jr. community events in conjunction with the Allegany County Board of Education, Frostburg State University and community leaders. Snyder and ACM psychology professor Kurt Hoffman are chairing the series of events.

"I think people will gain a deep understanding of Dr. King's vision and how it relates to everyday life in Western Maryland," said Snyder.

Local historian and program planner Al Feldstein is looking forward to hearing the panel discussions. Feldstein hopes the series of events will spark a renewed interest in King's words.

"I'm hoping that people will do some research on Dr. King, read his speeches and learn about his values and goals of what America is supposed to strive to be," said Feldstein.

Speakers expected to participate in the events include Leslie McLemore, director of the Fannie Lou Hamer Institute; Frank Smith, director of the African-American Civil War Museum; and the Rev. Samuel Kyles, who was with King when he was shot.

"I'm excited to have the opportunity for our students to meet with Samuel Kyles," said Dan Whetzel, acting supervisor of social studies for the board of education.

Whetzel also is impressed by how part of the series conveys history through music.

Pastor Shannon Watkins is excited to be singing in the Mississippi Freedom Summer, which features performances that portray historical figures.

"I think it is a wonderful way for people to learn about history - I play Fannie Lou Hamer," said Watkins of the civil rights activist who was instrumental in organizing the event.

The Mississippi Freedom Summer performance has been held for several years, but the other events, exhibits and workshops are new.

The grants, which are dispersed to nonprofit groups across the state, are part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance and Reconciliation initiative, held in recognition of the 40th anniversary of King's assassination, according to Lydia Woods, coordinator of grants and community outreach for the Maryland Humanities Council.

The events will take place at ACM, FSU and other locations throughout the community.

"As a pastor, I'm looking forward to introducing these events to members of my community," said Watkins. "There's something for everybody."

Contact Jennifer Raley at jraley@times-news.com.