NIH Salutes Martin Luther King, Jr.
NIH's annual King Commemoration Program was held on Jan. 10 in the Natcher
Conference Center. The internationally renowned
Morgan State University Singers (l),
presented a concert dedicated to the vision of Martin Luther King, Jr., under the direction of
Dr. Nathan Carter (below, r).
Other highlights of the
event, which was emceed by NINDS deputy director Dr. Audrey
Penn, included remarks by NIH deputy director Dr. Ruth
Kirschstein and NICHD deputy director Dr. Yvonne Maddox.
"Long before his birthday was made a national holiday -- in
fact, since the year after his assassination -- NIH has
formally honored" the life and work of the slain civil
rights leader, said Kirschstein. The program was transmitted
live to NIH facilities in Baltimore and North
Carolina.
"Glory, Glory Hallelujah!"
The Morgan State University Singers -- a small ensemble of the 150-voice
university choir -- gave a concert that began with a
processional arrangement of "Lift Every Voice and Sing". The concert
included classical, gospel, and contemporary music that spanned
several decades. In a finale that brought the audience to
its feet, several soloists led the group in a dramatic
arrangement of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
"Let My People Go."
The litany, read responsively each year at
the King Commemoration Program, was led by Dana Kelley of
the Clinical Center and Rosemary Pettis of NIDA.
Sandy Mitchell (far right) provided sign language interpretation for the reading.
Pictured in the background is presiding officer Penn.
Attendees enjoyed refreshments in the atrium of the Natcher Conference Center.
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