Choir Commemorates MLK Event

The City of Paso Robles has celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. since 1990, holding events with keynote speakers, youth presentations, and united marches. PRHS’s choir has been a long-standing part of this program, contributing an essential youthful perspective through music. This year was the first year that included community service projects in the celebration. 

Beginning at 9AM in the downtown City Park, this event opened with the words of Dr. King’s “I have a Dream” speech, setting the mood for the rest of this early service.

Mayor John Hamon gave a welcome and Ed Gallagher played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes, later leading into Paso Robles Scouts troops 1602 and 60 presenting the colors and guiding the pledge of allegiance for the crowd.

 Pastor Vern Haynes Jr. delivered an invocation and the last speaker, San Luis Obispo mayor Erica A. Stewart took the stage. She imparted a message about the importance of equality and remembrance in today’s society, and coming together as a community to give back.

The PRHS choir performed two pieces, “Give Me the Simple Life”, which was also performed at their Winter concert in December, and “Lift Every Voice & Sing”, which junior Amber Malik chose.

“We were trying to find another song to sing and I suggested this one because I thought it would be nice to include some black culture in our set.” they said, having been involved in this event since freshman year.

“Lift Every Voice & Sing” has been referred to as the Black National Anthem, according to the NAACP. It references the journey of struggle and hope that African Americans have gone through in history to keep persevering.

Dr. King’s legacy of non-violent social protests and advocacy for change inspired the city to offer two different service opportunities that took place after the event in the park: making care packages for those in need or spreading mulch to beautify Robbins field. Many volunteers signed up and dedicated their time to service on not a day “off, but a day “on”, in the words of Mayor Stewart.

Malik said, reflecting on the importance of this day for our community.