In a poignant ceremony that brought together the Vineland community, a section of Plum Street, extending from West Avenue to the Boulevard, has been honorarily renamed "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way." The dedication ceremony took place on October 11 and was a testament to the power of collective action, education, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The idea for this renaming initiative emerged after students from Albert Porter's African American Experience class at Vineland High School passionately petitioned the city to honor the civil rights icon last spring. The four students – QuaSean Dixon, Ashley Dinshah, I’Sabel Mayas, and Derek Tribbett – were also recently honored at a Board of Education meeting. Their dedication to this cause underscored the importance of community involvement and the impact young voices can have on shaping the future.
The dedication ceremony was inspiring, with Chris Wilson serving as the master of ceremonies and Rev. Dr. James A. Dunkins delivering the invocation, setting a tone of unity, respect, and reverence. The Vineland High School Select Choir was on hand to perform both the national anthem and the black national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing, reinforcing the significance of the occasion.
Rev. Dr. Dunkins also delivered a scripture reading that resonated deeply with the audience, invoking Dr. King's message of love, equality, and justice. It was a poignant reminder of the continued relevance of Dr. King's teachings in today's world.
The event featured an esteemed lineup of speakers, including Mayor Anthony Fanucci, City Council President Dr. Elizabeth Arthur, NJ Senator Michael Testa Jr., Loretta Winters, the NAACP CJSC Convention Chair, and I'Sabel Mayes, one of the students whose dedication played a pivotal role in making this renaming possible. Each speaker shared their thoughts on the legacy of Dr. King and the significance of this street dedication.
Also present at the dedication were Vineland Public Schools Superintendent Alfonso Llano, Assistant Superintendents Dr. Danielle Sneathen and Nathan Frey, Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction Suzette DeMarchi, and Executive Director of Student Services Teri Godlewski. Board of Education Vice President Kim Codispoti and board members Dennis Rivera and Makeema Douglas were also in attendance.
Dr. Arthur read the official resolution before the unveiling of the street sign, underscoring the city's commitment to honoring Dr. King's vision for a just and equitable society. The unveiling of the sign, now bearing the name "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way," was met with applause, symbolizing a new chapter in Vineland's history.
The ceremony concluded with a moving closing prayer from Rev. Dr. Dunkins, who reminded everyone of the ongoing responsibility to uphold the principles and ideals that Dr. King stood for, urging the community to work together to continue his work in the pursuit of justice and equality.
The renaming of Plum Street to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way is not only a testament to the enduring impact of Dr. King's legacy but also an inspiring example of how dedicated students, community leaders, and the entire city of Vineland can come together to honor a hero who championed justice, equality, and unity. This dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the work that remains and the importance of preserving the memory of those who inspire us to strive for a better future.
VPS Broadcasting was also at the dedication and the entire ceremony can be viewed on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/n_0x_7VpqWc
Gallery of photos: https://bit.ly/3QbR3nE