by Marina Turner on 2014-03-19

Moreno Valley High School (MVHS) and several members of the community recently celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday on January 20th with a myriad of activities at the inaugural MLK Day Walk Celebration. The event, which was held at MVHS, started with speeches from distinguished guests and a performance by the Landmark Middle School choir. Among the guests was Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) Superintendent Dr. Judy D. White. “It was a pleasure to be able to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday with everyone. I believe what happened today was part of his dream. And I leave you with a quote of Dr. King’s: 'The time is always right, to do what is right.'” “The point of today is for us to look back upon what Martin Luther King and other strong Americans have fought to bring change to our world,” said MVHS Black Student Union (BSU) president, Brandon Robinson. Following the presentations, attendees marched from the gym following a route that circled the entire city block. During the march, the public showed their support by honking as they drove by. The BSU, who sponsored the event, supplied marchers with fliers and water. “I am extremely honored by the support of the community coming together and making this a united event,” said Mrs. Nevels, MVHS teacher and BSU co-advisor. After the march, attendees gathered in the gymnasium to see Reverend Dennis Morgan Brown reenact Martin Luther King’s very first speech along in addition to the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Reverend Brown has been an emulator of the speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., since 1975 when, as theatre student, he was asked to recite a speech of Dr. King. He spoke about Dr. King’s life as well as his own life, and noted similarities in their lives and goals. He also performed several songs, including “My Girl” by the Temptations. As he sang, the crowd joined in song and celebration. “Hatred has no color barriers, neither does love,” Reverend Brown said. When asked if he had any advice for students at MVHS he said “Dream to be the best that you can be; dreams come true.” “I am glad that we are all gathered here today and I am very proud of all the students who participated in today's activities,” MVHS principal Robert Brough commented.