MLK celebration: Struggle is not over
Sounds of song and worship filled the sanctuary at Bethel United Methodist Church in Lewes Jan. 19 with messages of love, hope and faith that every day brings communities one step closer to realizing the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream.
“This is a great day for people to come together and respect each other,” said Waynne Paskins, a founder of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Organization of Sussex County.
More than two decades ago, Paskins and a small group from the Sunshine Circle Club in Rehoboth Beach began an annual tradition that has evolved into a weekend celebration of King's birthday.
“We continue to do it because it's important to perpetuate the ideas and the dream of Dr. King,” Paskins said after the three-hour worship ceremony. “From this day, hopefully we can begin to develop unity in the communities in Sussex County.”
The Rev. Gary L. Meekins, pastor of Mount Calvary United Methodist Church in Bridgeville and Bethel United Methodist Church in Federalsburg, Md., reminded Cape Region residents the quest for equality is not yet over, and that it truly is a journey of faith.
“Bigotry has put on new garments,” he said. “The struggle is not over in our quest for equality.”
He preached for the equality of all people – black, white, Democrat, Republican – and said the fight for justice begins with the understanding that all people are equal in the eyes of God.
“We have to keep on pressing, keep on marching,” he said. Many adversities begin with a spiritual problem, he said, ending his speech with vigor, leading into the hymn, “We'll Understand it Better By and By.”
Throughout the service, people rose to their feet, clapping, tapping their feet or singing out in praise with messages of love and unity.
For Organization President Clem Jordan, the ceremony was nothing short of inspirational.
“It's always good to see the community come out and support this day,” he said. “The struggle and the fight is not over. We have to continue to push and strive to make things better. Community is everything.”
Local doctor earns Community Service Award
Dr. John Edward Spieker is this year's recipient of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Organization of Sussex County Community Service Award.
Spieker, an orthopedic surgeon, was unable to attend the ceremony due to an emergency surgery. His colleague Linda Miller accepted the award on his behalf.
Spieker, a northern New Jersey native, studied chemistry and medicine at both Rutgers University and Columbia University before finishing multiple degrees and moving to Delaware to work full-time in orthopedics.
He was described as a unsung hero, through his work at Orthopaedic Associates of Southern Delaware, helping people overcome both physical and financial hurdles.
Dr. Spieker recently completed training in medical acupuncture and continues to lead Beebe Healthcare in receiving national recognition for orthopedic excellence.
