Maui Remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

File photo, courtesy African American Heritage Foundation of Maui.

By Wendy Osher

The African American Heritage Foundation of Maui sponsors its annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Peace March and Festivities today.

Participants will gather at the UH Maui College parking lot at 10:30 a.m., with the march to start at 11 a.m., proceeding one mile to Hoaloha Park.

Guest speaker, Carl Hagins, who served as a secret service agent and former body guard for the president, will speak about his career and potential employment opportunities within his field for Maui residents.

There will also be an opportunity for participants to honor Dr. King’s memory in song, dance poetry and testimonials.

Additional festivities are planned by the African Americans on Maui Association, in conjunction with the County of Maui.

At 8 a.m., an Inaugural Bell Ringing Ceremony for Dr. King will take place at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Congregational Church on High Street in Wailuku, followed by a ceremony at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stone of Hope Monument.

After the opening ceremony, a separate march is planned from High Street to the Wailuku Coffee Co. on North Market Street.  There, participants will have the opportunity to listen to speeches on civil rights until noon.

Later today, Dr. King will be honored with a celebration featuring entertainment at the center stage of the Queen Ka’ahumanu Shopping Center from 3 to 6 p.m.