Connecticut’s Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas will be the guest speaker at the First Baptist Church of Southington’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. observance on Sunday, Jan. 26. For more than 20 years, the local church has hosted this special event remembering and honoring the legacy of King, civil rights leader and proponent of non-violence. This year’s theme is “Serving the Least of These.” The church is located at 581 Meriden Ave.
The program will be held as part of the 10 a.m. worship service and will include the recognition of two middle school students for their excellence and commitment to improving their community at school and at large. Town and school officials will be attending. A special reception will follow.
Thomas, who was sworn in as the Secretary of State on Jan. 4, 2023, is the first Black person to be elected to this position. She holds a 30-year career advising and problem-solving for nonprofits, runs her own business and served as a state representative. She brings “a unique blend of business expertise and a passion for civics to public service,” according to her biography on the state website.
Organizers said this event is the only such observance for King that is held in Southington and it is vital for his legacy to be preserved and passed onto future generations. All people are welcome to attend. For further information, visit www.firstbaptistsouthington.org or call the church at (860) 628-8121.
Photo credit ct.gov