ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (JANUARY 8, 2019) – Local attorney and civil rights advocate, Yolanda Melville, Esq., will serve as the keynote speaker at the city’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program on Monday, January 21. Melville is the youngest member of the NAACP’s National Legal Committee and a premier member of the organization’s inaugural Next Generation (NextGen) Leadership class. She is also a member of the 2018 Class of Atlantic City’s “Top 40 Under 40.”
The theme of this year’s Program is “A Woman’s Role in the Civil Rights Movement.” The Program also follows Atlantic City’s Women’s March on Saturday, January 19 at 10 AM, which honors the life of activist Fannie Lou Hamer.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to engage with members of my community,” says Melville. “I look forward to sharing my thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, and discussing the importance of women’s leadership to achieving justice and equality for all people.” Kaleem Shabazz, President of the Atlantic City Branch, also says, “The role of women in the Civil Rights Movement is a story that has been told, but should be re-told and magnified, especially in today’s time. The Atlantic City Branch is delighted to highlight some of its local leaders.”
The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Program is hosted by the City’s chapter of the NAACP and the City of Atlantic City. As part of the National Day of Service, the Program begins with a community feeding with Stockton University at St. James A.M.E. Church from 8:00 to 9:30 AM. The march will begin at 10:45 AM along Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Civil Rights Garden and later to St. James A.M.E. Church for a ceremony starting at 11:45 AM.
Over 300 businesses, faith and community leaders, elected officials, students and community members are expected to be in attendance.
Please contact Council Member Kaleem Shabazz at 609-957-0441 for additional information.