Concerned Parents of Baldwin and Baldwin High School Hosts Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

“The Marathon Continues…”

Baldwin Union Free School District recently saw the return of Baldwin High School’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The annual tribute hosted by Concerned Parents of Baldwin has been on pause since 2020 due to the pandemic. This year’s comeback celebration was extra-special. Baldwin students from high school, middle school and elementary school celebrated Dr. King’s legacy and birthday through speeches, poetry and musical performances. As families walked in, the high school’s string ensemble, Quintessence, performed in the Commons. 

The Concerned Parents of Baldwin was formed in 1980 and is made up of parents whose children attend the Baldwin schools. In 1981, Dr. King’s birthday was included as a holiday to be observed by schools. The first celebratory program was presented in the Coes Neck Park Community Room. The Committee for Concerned Parents of Baldwin was determined that this day would not be just another holiday but would be highlighted with a program in honor of Dr. King, and that the program would be geared towards an audience that would be a cross section of Baldwin residents. The Committee also decided to involve Baldwin students from elementary through high school in the program. From 1982 on, the programs have been presented in the Baldwin High School Auditorium.

This year’s Master and Mistress of Ceremonies were high school students, Breanna Henry, DJ Ward, and Baldwin parent, Sheree Lyndsey of the Concerned Parents, who introduced the theme, “The Marathon Continues…”

Musical performances included “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Will the Circle be Unbroken” by the Baldwin High School Chamber Singers, “And His Name Was Martin Luther King” by Plaza Elementary Special Chorus, “Joyful, Joyful” by Meadow Elementary School’s Special Chorus, and the string ensemble, Quintessence, performed again, this time on stage, the musical piece “Adoration.” In addition, Jada Taylor, a Baldwin High School student, recited her original spoken word, “How Many More.”

A reception followed in the cafeteria.