42 Years Strong: MLK Day In Glen Cove Brings Community Together For Unity And Inspiration

GLEN COVE, NY — City of Glen Cove hosted its 42nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Commemorative Program– one of the longest continuously running celebrations of its kind in the nation.

This event was first started in 1984, making it the oldest commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. on Long Island. This was even before the first federal observance of the MLK holiday.

Community members came together to celebrate Dr. King's life and purpose. The program included many ways to honor Dr. King, such as a Symbolic Walk for Unity, reflections, and student and community performances.

Mayor Pam Panzenbeck spoke about Dr. King's message and the importance of continuing his work.

"Dr. King’s vision challenged our country to live up to its highest principles. He reminded us that
progress is not automatic— it requires responsibility, courage, and a willingness to stand for what is
right, even when it is difficult," she said. "Here in Glen Cove, we are proud to be a community strengthened by diversity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to the common good."

Dr. Sheryl Goodine and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Glen Cove had a role in making the event happen, especially over the past four decades.

"Given the current climate in our beloved country today, the divisiveness, the hostility, and the hatred, it is more important now than perhaps ever before, not only to celebrate Dr. King's birthday, but to echo his words, letting their significance, their truth, resonate in our minds, hearts, and souls," Goodine said. "His words spoke powerfully of equality, justice, love, and inclusion for all, which we, in the City of Glen Cove, have endeavored to exemplify and share with the community in our Annual Dr. King Program for the past 42 years."