OCEAN CITY, Md. -- A three-day event honoring the iconic civil rights activist has begun. MLK Dreamfest will honor Dr. King through music, arts, entertainment and historical sites throughout Worcester County.
Friday began with the Dreams and Determination breakfast, which featured guest speaker Colonel Greg Gadson, a retired United States Army Veteran. Gadson lost his legs in combat in Bagdad back in 2007. Today, he is a motivational speaker.
At this mornings breakfast Gadson discussed his own difficulties in life.
"Even at my young age, sort of begin to process the challenges of life and having to be determined and having dreams," said Gadson.
He also reflected on Kings "I have a Dream Speech" and the everlasting words spoke during the historical moment.
"It's a reminder and a challenge to us that we can all be better," said Gadson.
Throughout the rest of the weekend, event participants can expect a myriad of activities in multiple locations. At the Art League of Ocean City, it will be an action packed weekend:
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Exhibitions: Saturday and Sunday, January 13th and 14th from 11am-4pm
- "I Have a Dream" Youth Art Show
- In the Spotlight Gallery: featured artist Kevin Harris(Chestertown, MD) with paintings on glass representing African American Culture.
Performances: Saturday, January 13th, 12:30-1:30pm.
- Hip-Hop Performance by Jay Konsciouz
Performances: Sunday, January 14th, 12:00-1:00pm.
- Open mic with Jay Konsciouz
Film Showings: Saturday, January 13th, 2:00-3:00pm
- Short film showcase in the gallery. Followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers to follow the films. Light food and drinks will be available from 3-4pm.
Featuring:
- "Points of Juxtaposition" directed by B.L. Strang-Moya
- "Nothing Makes Sense" directed by Torrez Wise
- "Runaway Groom" directed by Marlon Wallace
Extras: Saturday, January 13th, 3:00-4:00pm
- Kevin Harris glass painting demo
- Beacon of Hope with Harriet Tubman Ancestor, Tonet Cuffee and Virtual Reality Historical experience
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Some of the artwork featured in the "I Have a Dream" Youth Art Show was created by five students at Berlin Intermediate School.
Sarah Perdue, who teaches art at BIS wanted to give her students a timely assignment.
"We listened to the speech from Martin Luther King Jr. and then they kind of interpreted the importance of that speech in their own language visually," said Perdue.
Loralei Donoway, one of the students who's artwork will be on display this weekend, wanted to encapsulate Dr. King himself.
"It's just like the realistic picture of him talking about his I Have a Dream speech and saying his inspirational speech and how he made an impact on the world," said Donoway.
Jett Ritchie, who will also have artwork on display, captured Kings powerful message.
"I did a white hand shaking a black hand which represents peace between two races which is the point of Martin Luther Kings speech," said Ritchie.
Ritchie and Donoway, along with three other students will all have their artwork shown this weekend.
There are also multiple historical sites people can visit throughout Worcester County. In Berlin, people can go and see the Calvin B. Taylor Museum and the Reverend Dr. Charles Albert Tindley mural.
The Sturgis One Room School-Heritage House in Pocomoke is also a destination people can visit, and there is a virtual tour that can be accessed here.
Concerts at the Performing Arts Center at the Roland E. Powell Convention will be going on each night.
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January 12th: Who's Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience.
January 13th: Marshall Charloff and the Purple xPeRIeNCE
January 14th: Take 6
All other information on MLK Dreamfest can be found here.
