The annual event commemorated the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr., in the 50th year since his assassination
CANTON Individuals must do what they can to counter hate with love.
That was the overarching message Monday at the Greater Canton Martin Luther King Jr. Commission's 26th annual Mayor's Breakfast. The official theme was "no place for hate."
In speaking at the McKinley Grand Hotel, commission chairman Rev. Walter Arrington said that begins with each person in the room. In the face of rising tensions and violence, people should be equipped with the principals of nonviolence.
"You must take ownership to spread the word," he said.
Keynote speaker, House minority leader and state Rep. Fred Strahorn, D-Dayton, echoed that sentiment. Even with differences of race, religion, class or political party, he said, people share the same basic values.
"When we hate, we miss opportunities," Strahorn said.
King's message went beyond tolerance, he said. Tolerance does not move people, communities or nations forward, but love does.
Strahorn was invited to speak by state Rep. Thomas West, who recognized event sponsors and introduced Strahorn. Anne Graffice, vice president of development and strategic adventures for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, served as mistress of ceremonies.
The importance of this year's breakfast, being in the 50th anniversary of King's assassination, was noted by Canton Mayor Thomas Bernabei. There's been "measurable progress" in the past 50 years, he said.
"And as we all know, there is still so much more room to grow," Bernabei said.
The progress still is worth recognizing, he said. He introduced a diverse group at the city's table and brought Councilwomen Chris Smith, D-4, and Corey Minor Smith, D-at large, to the front of the room. Smith recently was chosen as council's first female majority leader and Minor Smith is the first known black person elected to represent the city at large.
He presented the women, and his wife, with a bouquet of flowers.
The morning speeches were bookended by song: "Lift every voice and sing" and "We shall overcome."
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @kbyerREP