The Dream Lives On

BY KATHY KAHN

A festive Friday the 13th was celebrated at Rockland ARC, with songs, one-act plays, a reading of the “I have a dream” speech and a drum solo by Arthur Lord to an overflow crowd of ARC clients, their families and the staff in celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King, an icon of the 60s who led the way in breaking the bonds of segregation in the South—and ultimately giving his life for it—was the reason to pause and reflect on how far—and how much further America needs to come—to accept all, whether President or resident, and treat all as equals.

Francis Perkins, president of Nyack’s NAACP (National Association of Colored People) told the audience of how Rosa Parks’ refusal to move to the back of the bus helped to spark the call for people of color to be treated with the same dignity and respect as white people.

“I’m so pleased to be here,” said one client’s mother as she watched her daughter clapping and cheering. ARC has been a haven for her and for our family. “This tribute to Dr. King is just an example of what one person can do if they put their heart into it.”

To learn of the many services offered to people with disabilities, check out www.arcofrockland.org.