Newton Leans On MLK's Legacy To Direct Its Future

NEWTON, MA — Community members filled up the First Unitarian Universalist Society on 1326 Washington St. Monday morning to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.

Many speakers took the opportunity to speak out against the recent actions of Immigration Customs and Enforcement around the country, arguing that the past year of the organization and President Donald Trump’s actions are contrary to that of King’s philosophy and dream for America.

Renee Nicole Good, 37, was reportedly partially blocking a street where ICE operations were being conducted. ICE agents approached her vehicle and attempted to open the driver’s side door. Good then put the car in reverse then forward to reportedly turn and drive away from the officers, however Officer Jonathan Ross fired three shots through the windshield, one of which struck Good in the head.

This year’s theme was titled “The Courage to Love Turns the Tides of Hate,” which is inspired by two speeches the Civil Rights leader gave at Iowa’s Cornell College in 1962 and New York’s Riverside Church in 1967 respectively.

Speakers included Eliot Church Minister Eric Jackson, School Committee member Tamika Olszewski, the society’s Rev. Dr. Debra Haffner, and new Mayor Marc Laredo.

Laredo echoed similar sentiments he gave during his inaugural address earlier this month about how he is dedicated to making Newton a welcoming place for every person no matter what.

“Here in the Garden City, we will embrace every person. We will rise above the fray. We will be a beacon of light and hope. As your Mayor, and the proud son of immigrants, I have a deep love for this country and am proud to call myself an American,” Laredo said during the event. “Instead, together, we must leave today committed to building a more inclusive, stronger, more welcoming, and more equitable Newton so that when we return next year, we can say that we have done better.”

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