By AMY ADAMS
news@readthereporter.com
Carmel singer and vocal coach Blair Clark directed the on-stage event and wrote a series of poems chronicling the life of Martin Luther King Jr. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
The City of Carmel hosted its seventh annual commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Tarkington Theater Jan. 13. Under the artistic direction of 30-year Carmel resident, singer, and vocal coach Blair Clark, the free event incorporated dramatic arts and live music to pay tribute to the legacy of the Civil Rights leader.
“Civil rights are not only the cornerstone of our nation’s identity but also a fundamental of our shared values in the city of Carmel,” said Ashhar Madni representing the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Human Relations. “This event is an opportunity to remember the battles that have been fought … but also to recognize the work that still lies ahead of us.”
Four-time Emmy-nominated anchor at WXIN (FOX 59), Alia Blackburn emceed the stage performance, narrating King’s life through original poetry written by Clark.
“For me, it’s education, celebration, and information,” Clark said. “We inform them about Martin Luther King, some things they may already know, but we also educate them about our Black Americans. I think there’s a way to educate, celebrate, and entertain.
A skit performed by Jon Harris, India Latimore, Jackie Owens, Marrialle Sellers, and Edward Strickling told of the significance of a simple shoebox in the lives of Black Americans during the time of Jim Crow laws. Because Black people could not eat in many “White Only” restaurants when travelling, they often carried their meals in a shoebox and shared that food with family and friends.
A skit informs attendees about the significance of the shoebox in the lives of Black Americans traveling during the time of Jim Crow laws. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
“That shoebox didn’t only fill our bodies but it filled our spirits,” Latimore said.
Sellers spoke of a rally that was being planned in the skit.
“I think it’s amazing, all these races and religions, people from all walks of life, coming together and really supporting each other in the name of freedom, in the name of peace.”
The same could be said for the MLK Commemoration, as people from all ethnicities filled the audience and the stage.
At the end of the evening, individuals representing the Carmel Sister Cities, including cities in France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, and Latvia, gathered on stage to sing “Let There Be Peace.”
“I wanted to have all these different nationalities in their dress to see the diversity we have here, to let people know you can come and be appreciated and be treated equally,” Clark said. “I think one of the things that Jim Brainard started and that Sue Finkam is continuing is the legacy of letting people know that Carmel is a place you can come to.”
At the Carmel Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration, Erica Thompson sings “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo and Joshuah Campbell. (Reporter photo by Amy Adams)
Andris Berzins, Carmel Sister Cities representative, talked about how King frequently spoke about the “beloved community” as a vision of the world where people of all races, religions, and backgrounds could live together in harmony, sharing a common humanity.
“The City of Carmel is an international city that embraces our diversity and celebrates the richness of our multicultural community.” Berzins said. “Carmel is dedicated to fostering relationships between our citizens to fight racism and discrimination and overcome stereotypes of other nationalities or religions that so frequently exist in communities.”
Mayor Sue Finkam shares Berzins’ sentiment.
“I am committed to upholding Dr. King’s principles in our city and encourage us all to strive for a more just and inclusive community,” she said.
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