Early on Monday, January 19, members of the AHRC Nassau community joined the City of Glen Cove Commemorative Commission and the greater Glen Cove community for the 42nd Annual Commemorative March and Program honoring the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK). The goal of what is one of the longest running commemorative events in the nation honoring MLK, is to carry forward Dr. King’s legacy of service and support increased food access on Long Island.

Community members gathered at the First Baptist Church in Glen Cove for a symbolic march to Robert M. Finley Middle School. The annual event also kicked-off the agency’s MLK Day of Service , an inclusive volunteering initiative made possible in part by a grant from The Arc of The Unites States.

Together, volunteers collected over 2,600 pounds of food for NOSH Delivers!, which will benefit families in Glen Cove. For the last five years, AHRC Nassau has worked closely with NOSH  to support a food drive at the event.

The AHRC community was well represented, with people supported throughout our services participating in the march, food collection, and program.

During the program led by Sheryl Goodine, Commemorative Commission member, Lorelei Thee, AHRC Nassau DEI Liaison, shared reflections on the significance of this meaningful day.

“While Dr. King is famous for his work promoting racial equality, it is also important to highlight the work he did to combat food insecurity, an issue that affects 14 percent of Americans,” Lorelei said. “As a DEI Community of Practice Liaison, one thing about Dr. King’s legacy that really stands out to me is his persistence in the face of seemingly insurmountable adversity… Still, he knew he was right and history vindicated him. Today, you can honor Dr. King’s legacy by donating to a food bank, but also by considering the parts of society that might need to change to make the world a better place, no matter how insurmountable it seems.”

AHRC Nassau is proud to take part in this annual commemorative event and grateful to our volunteers who continue to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service, compassion, and community action