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1988
Sunshine
Circle Club’s 1st Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Banquet (suggested by Mrs.
Henrietta Pierson) at the Avenue Restaurant in Rehoboth, Delaware. Theme:
“Justice Too Long Delayed is Just Denied.”
1989
Sunshine Circle Club’s 2nd Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Banquet, January 21,
1989.
1990
Sunshine Circle Club’s 3rd Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Banquet, February 24,
1990. 1st Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Monday Holiday Worship Service (a
dream of Mrs. Sandra B. Neal & Ms. Waynne H. Paskins with Rev. William
Wallace). Theme: “From Dreams to Reality” and Rev. Wallace was the
messenger at John Wesley U.M. Church in Belltown.
1991
Sunshine Circle Club’s 4th Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Banquet, January 29,
1991. 2nd Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Monday Holiday Worship Service at St.
George A.M.E. Church in Lewes, Delaware. Rev. Luther Walker was the
messenger. Theme: “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.”
1992
Sunshine Circle Club’s 5th Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Banquet,
January 25, 1992. 3rd Dr. M.L.K., Jr.
Monday Holiday Worship Service at Harmony U.M. Church in Millsboro,
Delaware. Theme: “UMOJA” was the message delivered by Rev. William Wallace.
The small group responsible for the Monday Program becomes the Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee.
1993
1st Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Holiday Weekend Celebration sponsored by
both the Sunshine Circle Club and the Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Celebration
Committee. Theme: “Moving Forward Amidst the Struggle.” Rev. William
Wallace suggested a parade be added. The parade was Saturday morning in
Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Mr. Bryan Stevenson, Esquire, delivered
the keynote address. The Monday Worship Service was held at Christ Church
in Harberson, Delaware. Rev. Delores Wilks was
the messenger.
1994
2nd Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Holiday Weekend Celebration sponsored by
both organizations.Theme:
“Faith, Unity and Courage to Dream.” The Parade was cancelled due to
inclement weather. The Banquet was held at the Bay Center in Dewey Beach
and Dr. Brenda Jarmon was the keynote speaker. The Monday worship service
was held at Friendship Baptist Church in Lewes, Delaware with Rev. L.
Livingston delivering the message.
1995
3rd Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Holiday Weekend Celebration Theme: “The
Struggle Continues.” The parade was again held in Rehoboth. Rev. Wallace
keynoted the banquet at the Bay Center. The Monday Worship Service was held
at Epworth U.M. Church in Rehoboth, Delaware. Rev. George Edwards brought
the message.
1996
The Dr. M.L.K., Jr. Holiday Weekend Celebration Theme: “Beyond the Dream.”
The parade had to be postponed to the following weekend because of
inclement weather, but Mr. Cornell Williams Brooks, Esquire spoke
eloquently at the Bay Center. The Monday Worship Service was held at
Dickerson Chapel A.M.E. in Millsboro, Delaware where Rev. Jonathan Baker
delivered the message.
1997 “Celebrating An American Hero” was the
theme. The parade was cancelled because of
inclement weather. The banquet took on a different format; a dinner
theatre! At the Bay Center, The Great Commission Drama Society, under the
direction of Ms. Marci Tilghman-Bryant, presented “Black History on
Parade.” The Monday Holiday Service was held at Wesley U.M. Church in
Slaughter Neck (near Lincoln), Delaware. Rev. George B. Moody was the
messenger.
1998
This year’s theme was “A Celebration Fit for a KING.” The parade was held in
Georgetown, Delaware. The banquet, held at the Bay Center, featured another
dinner theatre, “An Afro American Journey”, performed by the Stuart Sisters
of Philadelphia. The Monday Worship Service was held at the Dagsboro Church
of God in Dagsboro, Delaware. Rev. Timothy A. Duffield, Sr. brought this
message.
1999 “We are the Dream” was a great realization!
The parade was held in Millsboro, Delaware. A musical dinner theatre, “The
Decades of Change”, presented and performed by the Jazz Company Theatre
Productions under the direction of Diedre Natii
Wright at the Bay Center. Mt. Zion Holy Church, Inc. was the setting for
the Monday Holiday Service. The Rev. Grace Batten, pastor of the church,
delivered the message.
2000 “The New Millennium – Same
Dream” was the theme. The parade was held in Rehoboth, Delaware, eight
years later! Mr. Bryan A. Stevenson, Esquire was also back eight
years later! The Bay Center was the setting for another fantastic keynote
speech. The Monday Holiday Service was held at the Pilgrim’s Ministry
Church of Deliverance, Inc., in Georgetown, Delaware. The pastor, Apostle
Ivory L. Hopkins delivered the message.
2001
This year’s theme, “Equality, Still a Dream”, found
the parade back in Rehoboth. At the Banquet in Dewey Beach, J. Nathan Hill,
President and CEO of Discover bank gave the keynote address. Rev. Braven O. Duffie brought the
message at Midway Assembly of God Church in Lewes, Delaware for the Monday Holiday Worship Service.
2002 “A Drum Major for Justice” was the theme.
The parade was held in Lewes, Delaware where George H. P. Smith is the
town’s first African American Mayor. Dr. Beatrice Berry was the keynote
speaker at the Saturday night banquet held at the Baycenter
in Dewey Beach and Bishop Jamie Hazzard brought the National Holiday
message at the St. John 2nd Baptist Church in Millsboro,
Delaware.
2003
The theme, “Honoring Our Past – Assuring Our Future” brought many outfor the weekend celebration, even though the parade
was cancelled because of inclement weather. Noted author and nephew of
member Minnie Smith, Alex D. Pate, was the keynote speaker. The banquet was
held at the Baycenter in Ruddertowne
of Dewey Beach. The Rev. Jack Abel, pastor of Epworth U.M. Church in
Rehoboth, Delaware brought the message during the Monday Holiday Worship
Service at Friendship Baptist Church in Lewes, Delaware.
2004
Yesterday’s Dream Becomes Tomorrow’s Reality” was the theme. Approximately
four hundred were in attendance to hear Dr. Earl S. Richardson, president
of Morgan State University, deliver the keynote address at the Saturday
Banquet in Dewey Beach at the Baycenter. The
parade was held in Lewes, Delaware once again with a good attendance and
many participants who braved the weather to pay tribute to Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr.. Rev. George W. Fisher, Sr., of Frienship U.M. Church in Millsboro brought the message
at the Monday Holiday Worship Service held at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Milton,
Delaware.
2005
New Day, A New Vision, A New Attitude” continued the
tradition of the weekend. The banquet crowd of approximately four
hundred, gathered anxiously to hear the keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. J.
Stanley Justice, a native of Millsboro, Delaware, presently residing in
Trenton, New Jersey. The parade, held in Lewes, preceded the banquet. The
Monday Holiday Worship Service was held in Ellendale, Delaware at Mt. Zion
AME Church. Rev. Rene Knight-Peguero, pastor of
the Iglesia Metodista Unida Betel in Georgetown, Delaware brought a touching
message of how Dr. King’s fight for equality went beyond the United States.
2006 “A Mission To Fulfill His Dream”, was the 2006
weekend theme with the focus on our youth. The parade in Lewes, with fewer
participants, was still very inspiring and noteworthy. At the Baycenter, Ben Fulton and the Sensational Cyclones,
along with youth performers, Myleah Lofland and Ryan Smith Ricketts, entertained through
dinner, followed by the Rev. Colby Matlock of Millsboro, Delaware Seventh
Day Adventist Church as the dynamic Keynote Speaker. At the Monday Holiday
Worship Service, held at Trinity Faith Christian Center in Lewes, Elder
Albert S. Dennis, founder and pastor of Emmanuel’s House in Millsboro,
Delaware, delivered a stirring message. Community service awards were
presented to Cheryl Ann Blackman, Sandra Davis and The Rev. Dale Dean Dunning.
2007
Dreams – Reality: Where Are We Now?” (Focus on our Youth) was the 2007 Weekend
theme honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Lewes parade was as successful and inspiring as the years before.
Soloist Eunice Wright gave an extraordinary performance. Da Flock, a party
praise music group performed for the youth as well as the young at heart.
Mrs. Maria Hull Bynum, M.C. for the evening was, as usual, outstanding.
Commissioner Michael Thurmond from the State of Georgia’s Department of
Labor had everyone out of their seats with his profound, emotionally
charged, and inspiring message of hope. Our local poet, Ms. Cora Miller’s
poem left nothing unsaid. The National Holiday Worship Service was held at St. John 2nd Baptist Church in
Millsboro, Delaware. The thought-provoking
message was delivered by Bishop Arthur D. Jones, Jr., pastor of the
Trinity Faith Christian Center in Lewes, Delaware. Community Service Awards
were presented to Lewes Rehoboth Association of Churches and to Ms. Brenda Milbourne from West Rehoboth.
2008
"Remembering
the Past, Living the Present, Building the Future" ,
the theme was expressed with a great parade in Lewes, Delaware. Wilmington
City Council President, Theodore"Ted"
Blunt, as the banquet keynote speaker was very timely and exact in telling us what Dr. King would expect for the future. The
Henry Twins & Stars of Joy rendered the most enjoyable music. LC Praisesteppers were the youth
attraction and Eleven year old Tania Frazier read Poet Cora Miller's poem
with great expression and grace. The National Holiday Service was held at
Bishop Jamie Hazzard's Welcome Full Gospel
Holiness Church in Lincoln, Delaware. Rev. Thomas K. Johnson, Pastor of the
Lewes Circuit United Methodist Charge in Lewes and Rehoboth, Delaware so
giftedly, brought the Message as to what our future needs to be about.
Community Service Awards were presented to Meals On
Wheels, Lewes Chief of Police, Beau Gooch and Joe Brake.
2009
"
"A Vision of the Dream Through Change" continued with focus on
our youth. The parade was canceled because of inclement weather. The
keynote Banquet speaker was Mr. Kent B. Amos, founder of the Community
Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C. His awesome words were
"Make Sure You Don't Sleep Through the Revolution." Diaz Bonville
read Cora Miller's poem "A Vision of the Dream Through Change."
Doug James, award winning songwriter provided the outatanding
music and the Sussex Central Dancers entertained the young and old. Our delighful M.C. was Ms. Kimberly Holmes from WBOC TV.
The National Worship Service was held at Epworth U.M. Church in Rehoboth
with none other than Rev. Dr. William T. Wallace as the Messenger,
co-founder of the organization. Rev. Wallace reminded us that
"Everyone must embrace the change and continue to work during the
change." The Crusaders of Antioch AME Church in Frankford, DE
serenaded us with those "Old Time Religion" gospel songs.
Recipients of the Community Service Awards were Angel Food Ministry in
Harbeson, DE, House of Ruth Women's Ministry and Dr. Robert E. Roberts.
2010
"
"Wake Up America; It's s New Day" was the appropriate theme for
this year. Our home for the Annual Weekend Celebration Parade, Lewes, DE
welcomed us with a sparse crowd on a cold day. Hot refreshment were served to participants at the St. Peters Church in
Lewes. The Saturday Banquet was held at the Georgetown Cheer Community in
Georgetown, DE. The powerful keynote address given by Delaware State
Secretary of Education, Dr. Lillian Lowery. She reminded us of the
importance education and being persistant -
"In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the
silence of our friends." Our talented Mistress of Ceremony was Ms.
Amber Watson, News Reporter from WMDT - TV. One of our youth, Mozella
Matthews, read the poem "Wake Up! Wake Up!" written by local poet
Tina Miller. Mr. Bryan L. Clark, Director of Music at Friendship U.M.
Church, entertained us both spiritually and soulfully. The Monday Holiday
Service was held at Wesley Chapel U.M. Church in Slaughter Neck, DE. The
Daniels Family Gospel Choir provided timely music with a solo by Gregory
Fuller. Rev. Jerome E. Tighman, Sr. of the Lewes
U.M. Charge delivered the thought-provoking, motivational, inspiring
message of the day. Rev. Diane Lofland received
the 2010 Community Service Award.
2011
"
The Nineteenth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Weekend began
with the parade in Lewes, DE. The Saturday evening Banquet was held at the
Cape Henlopen High School, also in Lewes. The keynote address, given by
Rev. Robert Jackson, Jr., spoke to the theme "Embrace the Fight for
Change: We Won't Go Back!" Sounds of Steel and Shades of Blue provided
the music and entertainment. The poem "Will You Fight For Change?" was read by Tina Miller. The Monday
Holiday Worship Service was held at Friendship Baptist Church in Lewes, DE.
The Rev. Dr. Jeanel L. Daniels - Starling brought
the message. The Friendship Baptist Male Chorus, along with Mrs. Felonise Norwood provided the great inspiring music.
Ms. Gloria D. Miller was the recipient of the Annual Community Service
Award.
2012
"
The parade in Lewes announced the Twentieth Annual Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. Weekend! The Banquet was held at the new Cape Henlopen High School. The
DE State Treasurer, Chip Flowers, the compelling keynote speaker, told us
about "Lessons He Learned By The Pecan
Tree." The theme "March on by Faith: Together We Can Make a
Difference" focued on our young men. Tina
Miller's poem, "Never Stop Marching" was read by her brother,
Richard Miller, Jr. The Monday Holiday Worship Service was held at Anticoh A.M.E. Church in Frankford, DE. The Rev. John
Moore from Calvery Baptist Church brought the
message, ending with his famous rendition of Dr. King's "I Have A Dream" Speech. "The Call" from
Friendship U.M. Church inspired us with their great voives.
The Rev. Pat Loughlin from Epworth U.M. Church received the Community
Service Award.
2013
"
21st Annual Weekend, 23rd Monday Holiday Service and the 25th Banquet. The
parade was again in Lewes, DE. the Banquet was held at Cape Henlopen High
School. The keynote speaker was Colonel Joseph Bryant ,
Jr. The Monday Holiday Service was held at Epworth U.M. Church in Rehoboth,
DE. Rev. James Foster of Antioch A.M.E. Church delivered the message;
remembering when he met and knew Dr. King.
2014
"
The Twenty-Second Annual Weekend Celebration; 24th Monday Holiday Service;
26th Banquet. The parade was in Lewes and the Saturday Banquet was held at
Cape Henlopen High School. The keynote speaker at the Banquet was Dr.
Vincent P. Oliver, pastor at New Calvery Baptist
Church in Wilmington, DE. Entertaiment was
provided by Ms. Regina Parson and Overseer Bobby Bull. The Monday Worship
Service was at the Conley U.M. Church in Lewes, DE. Rev. Dr. Patricia Green
from Mt. Enon Baptist in Milford, DE delivered the message. The Call was
the guest chair. Member Mrs. Minnie Smith Burton received the 2014
Community Service Award.
2015
"
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Organization held its 23rd
Weekend Celebration again beginning with the parade in Lewes, DE, and the
Banquet at Cape Henlopen High School. Keynoting the Banquet were Mr.
William Collick, Mr. Joe Blake and Mr. Leroy
Mann, all speaking to the focus, "Saving Our Sons." The
messengers provided the inspiring music. At the National Holiday Worship
Service, Rev. Gary Meekins reminded us that "The Journey, Equality and
Saving Our Sons was all about Faith. Dr. John Spicker
received the Community Service Award.
2016
"
The 24th Weekend Celebration's parade was held in Lewes, DE. The Saturday
Banquet was held at the Cheer Center in Georgetown, DE. Miss. NeeCee Trott, recording artist, provided the
entertainment. The Rev. Donald Morton from the Morton Firm gave a dynamic
keynote address. On Monday at the Trinity Faith Christian Center in Lewes,
DE, Apostle Ivory L. Hopkins from Pilgram's Ministry of \ Deliverance
Church in Millsboro, DE delivered the message. The Call choir from
Friendship U.M. Church carried us on an inspiriting journey of their
beautiful gospel music. The Community Service Award was presented to
Claudia and Edward Reese.
2017 Twenty five
years for the Weekend Celebration! The parade was canceled due to inclement
weather. Shades of Blue delighted & entertained everyone with their
great music at the Saturday evening banquet. The Rev. Doctor William Wallace , a co-founder of the organization, did not
disappoint, explaining how “Faith does Triumph Over Adversity”! The Monday
Holiday at Christ’s Church in Harbeson also did not disappoint. Rev. Dr.
Yvonne Brunson gave a strong, inspiring message for everyone! Mrs. Joanne Cabry was recognized for her civic work with the
Community Service Award.
2018 Thirty years for the Saturday
Banquet which was held at Cheer Center! The parade was again in Lewes. Our
Bryan Clark was awesome on the keyboard as the entertainment at the
banquet! Kimberly Wiggins, Morning Anchor at WBOC-TV was truly a “Story
Teller!” What a joy to be in her presence. Dr. Tony Allen, Executive Vice
President and Provost at Delaware State University was the keynoter for
this remarkable 30th year! He reminded us again and again to refuse to
accept “isness“ for the “oughtness” we deserve!
Amazing! Ms. Leonia Robinson & Ms. Cora Miller were recognized as our
local “Poet Laureates. The National Holiday Worship Service, held at Long
Neck U.M. Church was on fire with Rev. Cynthia Daniels’ message and the
Friendship Baptist Church Choir .
2019 The 27th year of the parade was
held in Lewes. Our 31st banquet at the Cheer Center was hosted by M.C. Dr.
Doris Person. The key note address was wonderfully and creatively presented
with students from DSU by first female president of Delaware State
University, Dr. Wilma Mishoe. Her “Students First
“ slogan, summarized her strong program. Music was
delightfully done by DJ Jeron & Son. In spite
of freezing weather, the 29th Monday Holiday Worship Service was held at
St. John 2nd Baptist Church in Millsboro. The C. N. Sample Gospel Choir
provided the music with Praise Dancers from the church. Our own Rev. George
Edwards brought the strong, timely message. Mrs. Delores Price received the
community service award.
2020 Theme: “No one is free until we
are all free.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program focused on
“Celebrating 100 Years of Women’s Suffrage: The Struggle Continues.”
Congresswoman Lisa Blunt-Rochester was Keynote Speaker at the Annual
Banquet. She strongly brought the message about women’s rights. Rev. Belmont-Burns
graciously served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Other participants included
Rev. Tesha Miller, Leonia Robinson and Charlotte King. Women Who Continue
to Lead were recognized: Christy Taylor & Shades of Blue, Michelle
Meadows, Christina Hall-Miller, Jene Duffy, Nancy Collick,
Hattie Bull, Dana Paskins, Merry McRae, Dr. Amy Weist,
Dr. Doris Person, Jennifer Nauman, Rev. Tesha Miller, Tasha Stevens, Esq.,
Alicia Jones, Esq., Gwen Miller, Sandy Spence, Dara Laws-Savage, and Jane Hovington. The Monday National Holiday Worship Service
was held at Dickerson Chapel in Millsboro, DE. Rev. Janice Herman, from
Friendship U.M. Church was the inspiring Worship Leader. Rev. Joe L. Poe
brought the message and the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir
brought soulful music.
2021 Theme: “ Enough
is Enough: Drive Out Hate with Love. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we
zoomed only the Monday National Holiday Service. Rev. Dr. Deborah A. McCaffity ,
pastor of St. George AME Church was the messenger. Our own Leonia Robinson
recited her poem. Thanks to SDARJ for assisting us.
2022 Theme: “The Conscience of a
Society: Safe, Political, Popular or RIGHT.” Again, parade and banquet
canceled because of COVID-19. The Monday, National Holiday Service was
Zoomed again. Worship leader was Fred Duffy. Congresswoman Lisa Blunt-
Rochester welcomed everyone. Joyful Expressions of Friendship provided the
great music. Youth Jonathan Henry expressed the purpose. Rev. Ron Houston
brought the message.
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