Community Corner

Peekskill Area Pastors to Host Interfaith Program Honoring MLK, Jr.

In light of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday (Jan. 20), the Peekskill Area Pastors Association (PAPA) is hosting a variety of activities, all with a common theme: the power of diversity and unity.

The celebrations for King's birthday include community service efforts and an interfaith program, as well as pulpit exchanges happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Rev. Dr. Adolphus Lacey of the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, will switch places with Rabbi Lee S. Paskind of the First Hebrew Congregation, and with Rabbi Jennifer Jaech of the Temple Israel of Northern Westchester. The Rev. Dr. Anthony Stephens of the Our Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church in Croton will exchange spots with Rev. Stephany Graham of the Peekskill Presbyterian Church.

The goal is for religious leaders "to model diversity and unity first within their congregations," organizers said in a statement.

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The association has also worked with the Peekskill Youth Bureau, the Peekskill Family Resource Center and the Jan Peek House on community service efforts this week

One is the MLK Jr. Food Drive happening at the Family Resource Center Friday. During a "Building Bridges" workshop Tuesday, area youngsters interviewed senior citizens. And volunteers will help with game night while serving refreshments at Jan Peek Friday night.

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The culminating event is set for 3 p.m. Monday at the Peekskill Middle School. An interfaith youth choir is slated to perform, and Paskind, association president, will speak. Admission is free.

"Dr. King transformed our country, raising the bar for social change for all Americans," Paskind said.

MLK Jr. Day is a federal holiday. King was born Jan. 15, 1929, and killed April 4, 1968. He was 39 years old.


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