By Julia Train
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is well known for his “I Have a Dream Speech,” but how many others can be named off the top of your head?
Before his assassination on April 4, 1968, King, who was the most prominent figure of the Civil Rights Movement, delivered more than 2,500 public speeches.
In order to share more of his work and honor the trailblazer’s life and legacy, the Atlantic City Free Public Library held its ninth annual read-in program on Saturday, Jan. 13. The event was held at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University instead of the library due to areas of the building being under construction.
“It’s almost impossible to read or listen to a piece of work by MLK without being moved,” said Bob Rynkiewicz, the library’s director. “He wanted a better world…a better America for everyone.”
During the program, which had about a dozen attendees, four individuals recited pieces from his repertoire. Those who read consisted of the library’s volunteers and employees.
Milani Hill, who turned 15 that day, was the first up; she chose “What’s Your Life’s Blueprint?” a speech which King delivered to the students of Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on Oct. 26, 1967.
Hill, who’s president of the library’s Teen Advisory Group, has been volunteering there for about a year. Within 2023 alone, she has logged over 300 volunteer hours and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work.
While addressing the students, King conveyed the importance of having a deep belief in one’s own dignity, worth, and “somebodiness.”
In addition to Hill, those who read were adult library volunteer Liz Dimmerman, assistant library director Melissa McGeary and adult services librarian Dani Sinai.
As each volunteer recited Dr. King’s inspirational works, the attendees’ eyes remained glued to the speakers at the podium, taking in every word uttered.
In addition to that Philadelphia address, other featured writings were his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech from Dec. 10, 1964 and his “I Have A Dream ” speech from Aug. 28, 1963.
“I Have A Dream” was read by Dani Sinai, although it was originally slated to be read by Atlantic City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz, but he arrived at the end due to a prior commitment at that morning’s Peace Walk.
The intimate event was followed by the library’s Film Society meeting that involved watching and discussing “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America” as part of the monthly Black Arts Matter program.
Julia is a student at Rider University, majoring in multiplatform journalism with a minor in social media strategies. At school, she writes and is news editor for The Rider News and is the News Director for the radio station, producing news updates. She’ll be graduating in the spring. Connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
