Las Cruces— Temple Beth-El and the local chapter of the NAACP are partnering to present a Black History Month program that will include listening to a rare recording of a speech made by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Here is the information provided by Temple Beth-El:
The program, called “Then and Now: A Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Historic Speech,” will take place on Sunday, February 11, from 2-4pm, at Temple Beth-El, 3980 Sonoma Springs Ave. The program will include listening to a rare recording of a speech made by Dr. King at Temple Emanuel in Worcester, Massachusetts on March 12, 1961. The moving speech has not been made available on any other known database of Dr. King’s speeches. The speech has not been heard in public since it was delivered live by Dr. King in 1961.
The presentation will also include: a choral presentation by the NMSU gospel choir, welcoming remarks by Temple Beth-El Rabbi Larry Karol and NAACP-Doña Ana County President Mr. Curtis Rosemond, a presentation by Temple member Frances Williams and how she came into possession of the audiotape of the speech, Dr. Jamie Bronstein will present a context for the 1961 speech, and a 3-person panel will offer comments and reaction to the speech.
An open discussion will take place as well as light refreshments. The community is invited to participate and experience the sentiment and spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King. There is no admission for the event.