Martin Luther King Day brings unity and reflection to Glen Cove

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For 41 consecutive years, Glen Cove has come together to honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., hosting one of the few continuous, community-driven celebrations on Long Island. On Monday, city officials, faith leaders, first responders and residents braved the cold to join a motorcade from the First Baptist Church to Finley Middle School, where a commemorative program inspired reflections on unity, justice and service.
This year’s theme, We Are Stronger Together, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing societal challenges.
The event began at 8:45 a.m., after marchers gathered in front of the church. Then, at Finley’s Wunsch Auditorium, a commemorative program had a tone of inspiration and hope.
“As our city commemorates Dr. King’s historic accomplishments for the 41st year, we are still guided by his lessons on kindness, justice, and equality,” Glen Cove Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck said. “This year’s theme, We Are Stronger Together, reminds us that unity and common purpose are the pillars of America’s strength. As we navigate the complexities of 2025, let us find enduring inspiration in King’s legacy to foster a community of compassion, lead with integrity, and uphold the principles that define our great nation.”
Panzenbeck also praised the younger residents who took part. “I’m so impressed that today, on such a cold, icy day, so many of our students are here — marching, singing and contributing — when others their age might still be at home in bed,” she said.

King’s enduring message of racial equality and nonviolent social change remains as relevant today as it was during the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s. Known for leading marches throughout the segregated South and advocating for desegregation, King paved the way for many societal advances. But his vision of a world free of discrimination has not yet been fully realized.
“During his lifetime, Dr. King spoke out against racial discrimination, war and poverty,” Maria Rianna, Glen Cove’s superintendent of schools, said. “And yet, so many years later, we are still working hard to see a better world — the world he dreamt of, where we are all equal in all ways.”
Rianna emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding. “I pray that instead of reacting, we pause to listen — to one another, to concerns, to dreams,” she said. “By listening and trying to understand, we move closer to making Dr. King’s dream a reality.”
The ceremony featured performances by Glen Cove High School’s Select Chorale and Drumline, the ESOTA Dance Company and the First Baptist Church Adult Choir. Each emphasized the themes of equality, service and community.
Sheryl Goodine, director of the city’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission and the event’s emcee, led the crowd in chanting “Harambe!” — a Swahili phrase meaning “all pull together” — invoking a sense of unity and purpose.
“Dr. King often faced jeers and insults, yet he pressed on with courage and wisdom,” Goodine said. “Let us remember his vision of a more perfect union, one that affirms the value of every person in our community. Together we are stronger. Together we can carry forward his legacy.”
Goodine also noted recent milestones, including the historic election of Long Island’s first Black state senator, Siela Bynoe. “While we’ve made progress, we still have a way to go,” Goodine said. “Dr. King warned us that we must live together as brothers, or we will perish together as fools.”
The program also celebrated Glen Cove’s commitment to service, a cornerstone of King’s legacy. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service, encouraging Americans to improve their communities.
Local organizations, such as NOSH, the volunteer food delivery service, were recognized for their efforts to address food insecurity. The programs provide nutritious meals to those in need, embodying King’s message of compassion and action.
“Dr. King died fighting for equity and social justice for all citizens of America,” Goodine said. “Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God’s children.”
As the event concluded, attendees reflected on the work that remains. From addressing systemic inequities to fostering deeper understanding among neighbors, speakers emphasized that King’s dream is a call to action for all.
“Every person has worth, value and dignity,” Goodine said. “Let us accept the challenge to continue his work together.”