05-02-2025
Local officials sing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s praises
PLATTSBURGH — Sunday's commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King featured several local officials as speakers.
Michael Cashman, Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor; State Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake); Janet McFetridge, Village of Champlain mayor; Wendell Hughes, City of Plattsburgh mayor and a representative of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
'This year's celebration is especially significant as it takes place during February, during Black History Month,' Cashman said.
'It's a time to honor the contributions of Black leaders, artists and activists who have shaped our nation's history, but it is also time to recognize the work that is not yet finished. Dr. King reminds us that we are not makers of history. We are made by history. Black History Month is not just about reflection. It is about using lessons of the past and inspiring action today. So let us not just remember the history, but commit to shaping the future through learning, through advocacy and through service.'
Other notable speakers included Pastor Phil Kneller, First Assembly of God Church; Monte Prather, founding MLK Commission member; Shi-vear Parker, SUNY Plattsburgh student; Holly Heller-Ross of SUNY Plattsburgh, Elaine Austry, Glenda Rowe, Pastor Lance Gocke, Turnpike Wesleyan Church, Stan Ransom and Pastor Don Curry, New Testament Church.
'Many of us may be feeling despair, discouragement and disappointment amidst the constant chatter creating chaos and confusion. Some may react with anger, others with hopelessness, some will withdraw. But I ask you to remember the words of Dr Martin Luther King Jr., when he said, a community built on hate, anger or spite will crumble,' McFetridge said during her remarks.
'Community, the power of community, your hometown, your neighborhood, your state, your country and beyond, humans share the need to belong. Small actions will lead to greater understanding, kitchen table talks and street corner chats allow us to share our stories. We can be present for one another and experience the privilege of being seen and heard one person at a time.'
Mayor Hughes said there was, 'no bigger honor' than to be asked to speak at the ceremony.
'What a great honor to be mayor of the City of Plattsburgh, but part of that honor is this, again, you know, people ask me to speak at a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony and that, there's no bigger honor, especially during Black History (Month),' he said.
Hughes said he has great admiration and respect for King and recited some of his favorite quotes of his.
'Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of my favorites with his quotes. Some of these inspirational speeches, I only can dream of inspiring just a small percentage of who he inspired,' Hughes said.
'If he had not been taken from us at such an early age of 39 who knows how far he could have gone. My wife and I traveled across the country in a motorhome and we went through cities with an MLK drive. and every time we come across the road, we both look into each other and we say, 'I have a dream,' because we have to. and that's just out of total respect for him.'
