'Let us march on 'til victory is won' 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration held at Glenn Massay Theater

PALMER — The 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration was held at the Glenn Massay Theater Monday, Jan. 15.

The Mat-Su Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation hosts this annual event to highlight the life and legacy of the iconic civil rights leader while encouraging community members to bring his vision to life by working toward a united future with shared prosperity and true equality.

"We just want to bring people together to show solidarity," President Aundra Jackson said. "It's not about separation. It's more about embracing everybody. Our goal is really to try to reach out to as many people as possible. Our work is not done yet. That's why we still come together."

This year's event featured several speaker presentations including video speeches provided by Senator Lisa Murkowski and Senator Dan Sullivan.

Jackson thanked audience members for coming to this year's event.

"Hopefully we ignited something you can take back home with you," Jackson said.

Speaker Jasmin Smith discussed the King's vision of economic justice and his dream of reaching the promised land where everyone experiences financial equality regardless of their race and background.

"That promised land remains out of reach… and there's no reason it should be out of reach," Smith said. "You will not lose if you share your resources. You will not lose if you take care of your employees. You will not lose if you support a local business… I implore you to remember the dream but also to wake up and make it happen."

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Palmer interim pastor Reverend Lee Grace led a group prayer after the speaker presentations concluded.

"Everything we heard today is a seed that has been planted within you… Let's keep the dream moving," Grace said. "Let us show love toward one another."

In addition to speaker presentations, the event also featured several vendor booths and free cookies provided by King Tech High School's culinary program.

Alaska State Troopers Deputy Director Tony April said that he enjoyed the celebration. He said the continuous public participation is very encouraging for the Mat-Su Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation's mission.

"I love it," April said. "It shows that the community supports the foundation."

Palmer Mayor Steve Carrington said events like these serve a very important role in the community.

"It's good to remind us of our past and it's good to remind us to keep going into the future," Carrington said.

Alaskan Musician Junya Gisa sang several uplifting and spiritual songs throughout the event. His final performance was a cover of 'Lean on Me.'

At the end of the celebration, Mat-Su Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation board members were joined by Grace and sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which according to the NAACP is often referred to as the "Black National Anthem." The song was frequently used as a rallying cry during the 1950s and 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com