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Sycamore center spreads Martin Luther King Jr.’s message

HELPING OTHERS — Members of the Sycamore Youth Corps helped to distribute food to cancer patients with the Cancer Dietary Initiative during Saturday’s activities in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Among those helping to package and distribute foods were, from left, Koda Lewis, Natalie Jones and Callie Graf. -- Julie Stenger

STEUBENVILLE — His hope for humanity was racial equality, his goal was to see an end to injustice and his purpose was to ensure his dream lived on through every generation.

The importance of carrying on Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and legacy was the message shared among those who attended Saturday’s Sycamore Youth Center’s Youth and Children’s Day event.

The center and the MLK Association of Steubenville offered an opportunity for young people to come together and learn about King and how he sought the need for justice in the world.

Sycamore center Executive Director Bobbyjon Bauman explained the day was celebrated by remembering King’s legacy through engaging activities, including a student service project in which members of the Sycamore Corps gave back to the community.

Members, including Erin and Sean McCarthy of Steubenville, helped to package and distribute food for the Cancer Dietary Initiative. The drive-through process allowed recipients to collect two bags and two boxes of food and drinks.

BREAKFAST — A free community pancake breakfast was held at the Sycamore Youth Center Saturday as part of the Youth and Children’s Day activities celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Those in attendance included, from left, front, Brienna Carroll; Kumari Brooks; Thea Thomas; Reahana Shields; Erin McCarthy; Michalle Clum; Gracie Blackwell; and Melody Eaves; and back, Zuriel Houser; the Rev. James Baber, president of the MLK Association of Steubenville; Pittsburgh hip-hop artist Mo Truth; Zuri Forde; and Sean McCarthy. -- Julie Stenger

Erin McCarthy noted these individuals are cancer patients and treatments can be expensive, leaving little, if any money for groceries. The distribution is a way to assist those patients during this difficult economic period.

Mistress of ceremonies Michelle Clum, program coordinator for the Sycamore center, welcomed guests and provided the opening prayer, prior to a community pancake breakfast that included fellowship and reflection.

The Rev. James Baber, president of the MLK Association of Steubenville, explained the reasoning behind this event.

“It is about keeping King’s dream alive and instilling that in our young people,” Baber commented, noting it is up to us to be concerned about teaching children King’s message.

“Our children are our tomorrow,” he added. He thanked Bauman and the Sycamore center for holding the children’s day to keep the youth focused.

SHARING A MESSAGE — Pittsburgh hip-hop artist Mo Truth was among the performers to rap two of his songs for the children and young adults gathered at the Sycamore Youth Center on Saturday. The morning offered an opportunity to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and help the younger generation learn about his contributions in the way of equality and social justice. -- Julie Stenger

Baber said there are many things that can deter today’s children from learning about what is important and keeping them on the right path. “They are the future,” he said.

Clum introduced guest performers including hip-hop artists MoTruth of Pittsburgh, Elisha Fletcher, Jeff CBE 180 Tyler, the Kingdom Kids Youth Choir and the Mighty Disciples Mime Team, featuring the all-male mime team from Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Performers each rapped to two of their songs, speaking to the children about the importance of following God and the need to love everybody.

Steubenville High School teacher and girls basketball coach Angelita Forte delivered the day’s message, sharing King’s vision of justice, equality and community service.

She explained how at the age of 26, King had taken part in the bus boycott with Rosa Parks. Forte discussed additional ways King made an impact on the world, saying “what he did has helped us to live the lives we live today.”

“Always remember you have someone looking at you,” she continued. She stated, “There are a lot of people who are ill-willed. They are out there trying to discount the good that is being done. We have to not judge people by the color of their skin or their social or economic backgrounds. We have to stand fast in our light, like he did,” referring to King.

Bauman said Saturday was a “beautiful example of how our community can come together to honor King’s legacy.”

The MLK Association of Steubenville and Sycamore center have worked together for the last decade to raise awareness to the area’s children and teens regarding King’s legacy and keeping his memory and what he stood for alive.

Event sponsors included ServeOhio and the United Way of Jefferson County.

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