Southfield’s MLK taskforce encourages action at 35th annual peace walk, celebration

The Southfield Pavilion overflowed with song and celebration Jan. 20, as community members gathered for the 35th year in a row to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The day began at 9 a.m. at Hope United Methodist Church on Northwestern Highway, where a crowd gathered for prayer before embarking on the mile-long journey to the Southfield Pavilion for a ceremony filled with speeches and performances. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence attended the ceremony. A photo of King overlooked the crowd as representatives from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force, a handful of city officials and residents from the surrounding communities gathered for the event. The Southfield police and fire departments, along with members of the Buffalo Soldiers, presented the colors of the American flag. David Gloff sang the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Pastor Zerrick Lake led the group in prayer.