Activist group expands reach with Martin Luther King Jr. dinner

FALL RIVER -- Our Revolution Greater Church Neighborhood, is a group of social justice and peace activists from the area.

Their mission is to “Reclaim democracy for the working people of our country by harnessing the transformative energy of the ‘political revolution,’” as stated on their website.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, on Jan. 21, Our Revolution paired with Lower Highlands Historic Downtown Neighborhood Association, and the Unitarian Church to co-sponsor a neighborhood potluck supper.

“We wanted to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a community event in the spirit of giving back,” said Maryellen Kurkulos, a member of Our Revolution. “We saw honoring Dr. King as a perfect fit with us.”

Even in single digit weather, a group of around 40 adults and children came out and supported, Kurkulos said. The event was hosted at the Unitarian Society Church, 309 North Main St.

In an effort to give back to the community, Our Revolution reached out and sent a special innovation to the Fall River Family Center, a homeless shelter. Kurkulos says the goal is to “hope they get the sense that there are more people they can reach out to and can use for resources.”

The event started off with Dr. David Reinke quoting King’s “I have a dream” speech. Then, the Rev. James Hornsby, a Rector Emeritus from St. Luke's church, gave a short blessing.

While enjoying a homemade meal, those in attendance relaxed and discussed the different challenges they face and that’s frequent in the community, Kurkulos says. She also believes a lot of common ground was covered, calling it “simple but satisfying.”

“Lately a lot of people sensing something's going on, politically,” she says. She found the event offered an opportunity to “hash all that together,” and come up with some “quick solutions or local solutions.”

After hosting the private event for the first time, Our Revolution looks to continue hosting a King event every year. Although next time, Kurkulos says she would like to invite more neighborhood groups and members of different churches to the event.

Our Revolution is a progressive movement that came about in 2017, their goal is “to give to and foster deeper ties with the community.” With the success of the King event, came confirmation to keep going. They look to continue to get more in touch with the community by hosting more events.

“I’ve long been involved in social justice and peace activism but this feels different. These are particularly uncertain times with unprecedented wealth inequality. More people are appreciating the moral imperative to help one another, that we are all in this together.”