Published February 04. 2025 10:24AM
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday first observed in1986 on the third Monday of January. On the holiday, participants are invited to the annual Civil Rights Movement March in South Bethlehem. The event takes place every year, rain, shine or snow.
Meeting at 11:30 a.m. in front of the Comfort Suites on West Third Street, the procession leaves at 11:45 a.m. and proceeds to Dr. Martin Luther King Park on Carlton Avenue, next to Holy Ghost Catholic Church, the location of memorials to both Dr. King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.
Three fresh floral wreaths in patriotic colors are placed behind the monuments including a stone commemorating the movement showing the King’s Memorial founding members and sponsors.
The effort is organized and led by Frankie West, president of King’s Memorial which spans three generations of attendees. West says he has a mission and focus to keep the history alive for area youth. He recently hosted a bus tour to Washington, D.C., to help Valley young people understand the history Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was so passionate about.
Following the March, everyone warms up at the hotel and watches the presentation of awards, certificates, proclamations and some giveaways. A nice luncheon gives attendees a chance to have conversations and feel the energy that still exists from Dr. King’s legacy.
To learn more about the Bethlehem-based projects that inspire the youth of the Lehigh Valley, contact Bill Rowe at Elevate Foundation bill@elevatefoundation.net.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LORI PATRICKBethlehem residents Jaxyn Rushing, Al Zahir Thorne and Jaidyn Rushing lead the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights March, carrying wreaths to place at the memorial markers.
Pastor Tina Singleton begins the ceremony at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park with prayer. The park is located on Carlton Avenue next to Holy Ghost Catholic Church in South Bethlehem.
Standing behind the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds talks about the significance of the march. Behind Reynolds is president of King’s Memorial, Frankie West.
Several people spoke at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights March. Longtime supporter Ken Brown remarked, “Keep the dream alive for the next generations coming up.” He also thanked everyone for coming out to join the march.
If someone was determined to be Frankie West’s right arm these days, it was Bill Rowe, as he speaks about his passion for the project and hope for the future at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
Organizer Frankie West sings “We Shall Overcome Someday” as he leads march attendees back to Comfort Suites. By his side is grandson Al Zahir Thorne. More photos on A5.
Receiving humanitarian medal awards are four men from the different athletic programs in the Lehigh Valley. From left: Mayor J. William Reynolds; Freedom HS basketball coach Joe Stellato; Valley Basketball League coach; assistant to the Easton mayor, Ken Brown; former chairperson of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commision, Greg Zebrowski; Lehigh Valley Flight coach, Anthony Jenkins; and King’s Memorial President Frankie West.
Awards are given to special participants and supporting organizers. Barbara Young of Bethlehem receives a proclamation presented by Mayor J. William Reynolds for her unwavering help with the Civil Rights March alongside her husband, Frankie West. Reynolds said, “Barbara has been the good angel on Frankie’s shoulder.”
MLK DAYMARCHAl Zahir Thorne and Jaxyn Rushing receive a City of Bethlehem Citation for representing the city’s youth during the march. With Thorne and Rushng are Mayor J. William Reynolds and Frankie West.
10. Kids attending the March were put into a drawing for some cool prizes donated by proud sponsors and civilians. Above: Jayven Vereen, Arabelle Francis, Zyaire Macon and Anthony Davis with Frankie West.
