Martin Luther King's legacy celebrated in Greensburg

Garrett Mock was born decades after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg student says it’s up to people of all ages and races to carry on the civil rights leader’s legacy.

“It’s up to us to carry on the stories of heroes and pariahs and the trials they endured,” Mock told a group of about 60 people gathered Monday at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art for a day of King-related activities.

“And we need to be able to learn from every face in the room, even if it doesn’t look like our own,” added Mock, a senior majoring in secondary education.

Activities at the museum coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday that falls on the third Monday of January.

After a candle-lighting ceremony where speakers chose King quotes and illustrated their importance, Zuly Inirio, a native of the Dominican Republic who lives in Pittsburgh, sang a song cycle by Afro-Venezuelan composer Modesta Bor and three songs by Undine Smith-Moore, an American composer and co-founder of the Black Music Center at Virginia State University.

“Martin Luther King’s work is so important historically, and important today,” Inirio said. “A celebration like this allows me to make an impact in this community that really means something for me and my values.”

Monday’s open house included children’s activities and a dance performance as well.

“We have the opportunity to effect change, build bridges and ensure every voice in our community is valuable,” Elle Marshall, the museum’s community engagement manager, said about Monday’s programs. “We can work together to make sure our community lives up to (King’s) dream.”

Erica Nuckles, the museum’s learning and engagement director, chose to read a King quote addressing community service: “Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others?”

“Museums tell the full history we have, both the good and the bad,” Nuckles said. “It’s important to pass on the story and the history of Martin Luther King Jr.”

Diane Hightower, a diversity educator and trainer for the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh, said she’s happy to see the King event expanding.

“We started this journey a year ago with a much smaller audience,” Hightower said as she gestured at a group of about 60 people in the museum’s community room. “It’s good to see things are growing.”