RPD Honors MLK

Monday, January 18, 2010
Posted by Reflindo
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January 15th 2010

Twenty-six years ago, Gertha Curtis was one of a handful of Recreation and Park Department employees who took it upon themselves to help organize an employee luncheon in honor one of the most influential and inspirational figures in our nation’s history, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Gertha, who recently retired, was on hand this past Friday, January 15, with about 150 current and former employees to help celebrate the event’s 26th successful year running.

It was my first MLK luncheon, but it definitely won’t be my last. I was truly amazed and inspired by all of the folks who stopped in, not just for a meal, but to break bread with friends and coworkers and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.

The event was highlighted by guest speaker Jeff Adachi, our city’s public defender, as well as the musical stylings of gardener Raymond Coats. Particularly interesting was an oral history by retiree Fred Reed of some of the department’s early African-American employees, who struggled to advance because of the very discrimination Dr. King devoted his life to changing.

Over the weekend, our Department also participated in MLK-inspired events, including community volunteer events at 11 park sites. In 1994, then-president Bill Clinton signed the King Holiday and Service Act, which called people to action and volunteerism on the King holiday in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

On Monday, our Department offered free recreational and lap swimming to the public at MLK pool in District 10.

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