ARC of Rockland Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

From ARC of Rockland: ARC of Rockland’s Dr. Martin Luther King Day Jr. Celebration was a testament to the values espoused by the civil rights leader. Nearly 200 people attended the January 13 event which took place at ARC of Rockland headquarters in Congers, NY.

ARC CEO Carmine Marchionda explained the significance of civil rights as it relates to people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. “Dr. King’s legacy is present in every segment of society as we continue to strive for liberty and justice for people of all races, creeds and abilities,” he said.

County Executive Ed Day congratulated ARC on the annual event which brings together community leaders, family members and people who receive supports and services through ARC. He noted the ways in which ARC is integral to Rockland County, and he expressed his appreciation for the friendship he has developed with ARC over the course of many years.

Keynote speaker Dr. Francis Pratt, President, Nyack NAACP provided historical context for the civil rights movement which continues to reverberate today.

Arthur Lorde of Motherland Rhythms had people dancing in the aisles and drumming along in a spirit of comraderie and exuberance. A rapt audience listened to a poignant recitation of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech by Aleah Green, Spring Valley High School student and Youth Council Member of the NAACP.

Several skits performed by people who receive services and supports through ARC of Rockland offered glimpses of the ways in which people, often unwittingly, do not always act kindly towards people who are different from themselves.

ARC Staff member Angel Hill led the agency’s Franklin Square Melody Makers in a moving choral performance of Man in the Mirror.

Karen Dinkins, ARC Development Associate and emcee for the event concluded the celebration by challenging everyone “to love one another. Only then will we be able to make a change.”

Photo courtesy of ARC of Rockland