Greater Attleboro Community Honors King’s Legacy With Call for Nonviolence

Greater Attleboro residents gathered on Monday, January 19, for the 39th annual commemoration hosted by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Committee of Greater Attleboro, marking the holiday with a message that felt both reflective and urgent. The two-part event was held first at Attleboro City Hall, followed by a second gathering at Central Congregational Church of Attleboro Falls, and centered on the theme of nonviolence as a tool to protect freedom, justice, and democracy.

Organizers described the day as an intentional reminder that remembering Dr. King’s legacy is not only about honoring history, but also about applying his teachings to the present. This year’s theme emphasized nonviolence not as passive behavior, but as a guiding principle meant to shape how communities respond to conflict, division, and uncertainty.

The program began shortly after 1 p.m., with committee chair Ethel Garvin addressing the audience and acknowledging that many people are feeling unsettled in today’s social and political climate. Garvin spoke about the importance of Dr. King’s approach, emphasizing that his principles of nonviolent action can offer direction and encouragement at a time when people may feel dismayed, discouraged, or fearful about the state of democracy and civil rights progress.

Attleboro Mayor Cathleen DeSimone reinforced the central message of the day in her remarks, focusing on nonviolence as a way of life rooted in active engagement, not silence or withdrawal. She emphasized that meaningful change is built through persistence, truth, and justice rather than anger or force.

In addition to civic leaders, the commemoration brought together faith leaders, performers, and community voices, helping shape a program that reflected both the solemnity of Dr. King’s legacy and the community’s shared responsibility to continue the work. The event included performances and contributions that highlighted unity and the power of collective action.

A major part of the program featured keynote speaker Meghan E. Irons, a professor of impact journalism at Boston University. Her remarks were part of a broader emphasis on how public institutions, community organizations, and individuals can work toward protecting democratic ideals and social progress using nonviolent action and civic involvement.

The tone of the day was consistent throughout both locations: honoring Dr. King required more than celebration. Speakers returned repeatedly to the idea that his teachings continue to offer practical guidance, especially in moments when communities feel divided or uncertain. The event served as both a tribute and a reminder — that the legacy of the civil rights movement remains connected to modern life and local responsibility.

For Greater Attleboro, the annual commemoration has become an enduring tradition, one that connects residents across generations and backgrounds while grounding the holiday in purpose. As attendees left the program, the message was clear: the work of justice and community protection does not belong only to history books, but to everyday choices made by people who want to strengthen peace, fairness, and democracy.

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