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Choirs Lift Voices In Song At MLK Tribute At Westport Country Playhouse

WESTPORT, Conn. — The Westport Country Playhouse hosted its 11th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, complete with many speakers and performances as well as a keynote address titled “WWMD: What Would Martin Do: What Would Martin Do in the Era of Post-Race Racism?”

The Men's Community Gospel Choir of Norwalk, led by Greg Detroy, sings gospel and civil rights selections during the performance. Pictured is Greg Thornewell, with members of the choir.

The Men's Community Gospel Choir of Norwalk, led by Greg Detroy, sings gospel and civil rights selections during the performance. Pictured is Greg Thornewell, with members of the choir.

Photo Credit: David Vita
Westport's MLK Celebration is held at Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. Nearly 350 people attended the 11th edition of this annual event, presented in partnership by TEAM Westport, Westport Playhouse and others.

Westport's MLK Celebration is held at Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m. Nearly 350 people attended the 11th edition of this annual event, presented in partnership by TEAM Westport, Westport Playhouse and others.

Photo Credit: David Vita
Harold Bailey, trustee of Westport Country Playhouse and chair of TEAM Westport (Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism), addresses the crowd. Bailey was on the organizing committee for the11th annual Westport MLK Celebration.

Harold Bailey, trustee of Westport Country Playhouse and chair of TEAM Westport (Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism), addresses the crowd. Bailey was on the organizing committee for the11th annual Westport MLK Celebration.

Photo Credit: David Vita
Brown University professor Tricia Rose delivers her keynote address, “WWMD: What Would Martin Do in the Era of Post-Race Racism?” At Brown, Rose is the Chancellor’s Professor of Africana Studies.

Brown University professor Tricia Rose delivers her keynote address, “WWMD: What Would Martin Do in the Era of Post-Race Racism?” At Brown, Rose is the Chancellor’s Professor of Africana Studies.

Photo Credit: David Vita
Students from Trumbull’s Regional Center for the Arts, a public interdistrict magnet high school for Fairfield County students interested in the performing arts, debut their original spoken word piece, “A World that Listens.”

Students from Trumbull’s Regional Center for the Arts, a public interdistrict magnet high school for Fairfield County students interested in the performing arts, debut their original spoken word piece, “A World that Listens.”

Photo Credit: David Vita

The keynote address came from Professor Tricia Rose of Brown University. The celebration was presented in partnership with TEAM Westport, Westport Country Playhouse, and the Westport/Weston Interfaith Council.

The Rev. Ed Horne of United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, chairman of the Celebration’s organizing committee, gave the welcoming, with speeches from Harold Bailey and playhouse artistic director Mark Lamos. 

That was followed by a gospel medley by the Men’s Community Gospel Choir of Norwalk.

"Gospel music is always something that speaks to my soul when I hear it," says Lauretta Jones. "The performance by the Men's Community Choir was outstanding. I felt moved by it."

A Spoken Word performance "A World that Listens," was presented by RCA students. A freedom song and another song titled "Lift Every Voice," was performed by Men’s Community Gospel Choir of Norwalk.

"I was really moved by today's performances, it was truly remarkable," says Susan Green.

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