EAAM hosts community wide MLK Jr. Celebration  

BY RASHEEDAH AJIBADE

On Saturday, January 13th, the Evansville African American Museum hosted a community-wide celebration in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinated by EAAM Program Manager RheAnn Driskell, the day commenced with a focus on community service, as numerous individuals and organizations volunteered across the city. Later, at the CK Newsome Community Center, various organizations shared information about their programs and services, providing guests with an opportunity to connect with community partners and discover available resources.

Attendees also had the chance to explore an art exhibit featuring interpretations of “Beyond the Mountaintop,” the chosen theme for the event, submitted by both students and adults. The celebration featured captivating performances from the Joshua Academy Gospel Choir, Boom Squad Drumline and Dance Team, Tri-State Glitters, and North High School Stomp Team, highlighting the remarkable talent of Evansville’s youth.

A significant moment during the celebration included heartfelt words from the daughter Dr. Ann Hester, and granddaughter of Dr. CK Newsome, a physician and the first Black to serve on the Evansville- Vanderburgh School Board. Dr. Newsome was instrumental in the early planning of public-school desegregation in Evansville. His descendants expressed their gratitude for pioneers and trailblazers like Dr. King and Dr. Newsome, who selflessly served their community and advocated for equality and justice.