Guest speaker State of Connecticut Attorney General William Tong urged congregants to speak up and act for justice during his remarks at the 26th Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration held Jan. 21 at First Baptist Church. Tong shared his family’s story of immigration and assimilation, and primarily addressed the injustices felt by immigrants and others who are “unseen.” He also recounted stories about Connecticut immigrants, how they’ve successfully fought deportation and were able to remain in the state.

In addition, two eighth-graders, Neo Reyes, of Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School, and Lyla Gilbert, of John F. Kennedy Middle School, each received recognition and honors “for demonstrating the spirit of Dr. King at school and at home.” After remarks by the respective school principals, Tong presented the awards.

First Baptist Church is proud that it continues to present the only Martin Luther King Jr. event in Southington.