FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – The FM community celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day last night at the Fargo Theater with speeches, dance, singing, and poetry. The event focused on highlighting the talents of area youth and honoring Dr. King’s legacy.
Dr. Terry Hogan, the City of Fargo’s first-ever Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion spoke of the courage and love demonstrated by people who stand up for their neighbor and help make a change, as Dr. King did. “It takes all of us to work together to embrace our differences,” he said.
Organized by Faith Dixon and Fred Edwards with the support of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition and the City of Fargo, the event featured live and recorded performances, including creative writing from a group organized through YouthWorks. A pledge-to-vote card was handed out to in-person participants, echoing calls of Dr. King’s family and national political leaders to draw attention to voting rights and protection this year.
“I’m happy about the national push,” said Edwards. “There is a lot we can do all year round to promote that effort.”
Radical Change Awards were also presented to community leaders. City Commissioner Arlette Preston and Kayla Jones, President of the Black Student Association of NDSU helped present the awards.
“We want to let those individuals know that the community supports their work as they continue to live and preach Dr. King’s dream, which was equality for all,” said Dixon.
“The work these people do is unreplicable,” said Edwards.
Edwards surprised Dixon with one of the awards.
“I’ve been in all the planning meetings for the last couple of months and they didn’t say a word,” said Dixon.
In addition to Dixon, Nick Hawkins, Tabitha and Conrad Thomas, and J’Neil Gibson were honored for their work elevating youth in the community.
