Seventy
volunteers from across Vermont marked the Martin Luther King holiday by taking
part in a host of different community service projects in Rutland.
Politics loomed over the ceremonies held Monday to mark the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday as black clergy, elected officials and others tied the civil rights icon’s legacy to the 2012 election, urging African-Americans to re-elect President Barack Obama.
One Vermont group that puts Martin Luther King, Jr.’s notion of service into action is SerVermont, which administers the
federal Americorps and VISTA programs and promotes volunteerism and civic
engagement throughout the state.
In announcing his choice of Brian Searles to head the Agency of Transportation, Governor Shumlin has called for a revitalized public transit system in Vermont.
Reverand Al Sharpton was the keynote speaker at Burlington’s Martin Luther King Day Celebration Sunday. It was the first trip to Vermont for the sometimes controversial civil rights leader. The Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center hosted the event. Martin Luther King awards were given to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Evelyn and Modisane Kwanza of Alpha Baptist Church.