Freeport's Human Relations Commission honors Freeporter Anthony Miller

Anthony J. Miller. vice president of the Freeport Public Schools and a community activist, was honored on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the Village of Freeport’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Miller, a native Freeporter, was chosen as this year’s honoree because of his leadership and dedication to the community.

   The Freeport Human Relation Commission sponsored Saturday’s program – “Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” It included dancers, singers and speakers from neighborhood churches, including the Greater Second Baptist Church and Bethel AME Church in Freeport who provided the reflection and entertainment.

   During the invocation, Rev. Stephen Michael Lewis, of Bethel AME Church of Freeport, emphasized the significance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often referred to as the “Black American National Anthem.” He associated the hymn to the perseverance of Dr. King’s mission to put an end to the racial divide that separates Americans based on skin color. Rev. Dr. Eric Charles Mallette, of Greater Second Baptist Church in Freeport, reminded attendees that Dr. King’s work has brought the nation a long way and there was still work to be done. The Mallette Youth Ensemble & Angelic Praise Dancers of Greater Second Baptist sang and danced to gospel hymns.

    Mr. Miller is a third-generation graduate of the Freeport school system. He was appointed a trustee to the Freeport Board of Education in September of 2012 and subsequently elected to a full term in May of 2013 and currently serves as vice president. He serves as co-chair of the Board of Education Community Outreach Committee and member of the Legislative Committee. He is currently a member of Freeport Cares and has served as a member of the Freeport Schools Scholarship & Honors Board. Miller is a long time advocate for public education on the local, state and federal level.