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Danvers celebrates MLK Day; committee honors former equity director and previews Black Excellence event
Summary
The Human Rights and Inclusion Committee reported on a well‑attended Move Like King MLK Day event at Danvers High School, presented a Seed of Hope award to former equity director Jasmine Ramon, and previewed a Black Excellence community event and NextGen partnerships.
Karen, a member of the Town of Danvers Human Rights and Inclusion Committee, reported that the committee’s 26th annual MLK Day celebration, Move Like King, was held at Danvers High School and drew a larger‑than‑expected crowd despite snow. The program featured youth and community offerings, choral performances and visual arts, and recognized long‑time committee founder Mr. McKenna with a citation from the State House presented by Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Sally Kerns.
Karen said the committee presented its Seed of Hope award to Jasmine Ramon, who served as Danvers’ director of equity and inclusion and now works as chief program officer at Girls Inc. “It was delightful to welcome her back to Danvers and to celebrate her years and impact,” Karen said.
Committee members praised the event’s attendance and format. Several members noted the role of school partners — Danvers Public Schools including Assistant Superintendent Mary Wormers, choral director Alex Grover, and art department lead Chris Smith — and community sponsors including Danvers Kiwanis, Essex County OBGYN Associates, Maple Street Church, Northeast Community Bank and local donors. Karen and others thanked Susie’s Bookstore, a Black‑owned bookstore from Rockport, for participating.
The committee also reviewed related community programming: Jack Kronos, external liaison for the NextGen equity and leadership program, said NextGen is planning a February visit to the Kraft family’s anti‑antisemitism foundation space at Gillette Stadium and is in talks with Malden Catholic’s Black Student Council for collaboration. Jack asked the committee to consider joining the Gillette visit.
Johan Hunter previewed the Black Excellence event set for Saturday, Feb. 8, at Maple Street Church from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The second annual Black Excellence dinner will feature a jazz theme, soul food catering, student musicians and hopes to honor a community member; it is free and family friendly.
The committee also reported successful fundraising, including a recent gift from Boston Bridges, and encouraged continued community partnerships.
