On January 19, 2015, the City of Glen Cove and Glen Cove School District Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Commemorative Commission held their 31st annual tribute to the champion of civil rights and Nobel laureate, Rev. Dr. King. The events and program, with the theme "overcoming the Challenges to the Dream," honored Rev. Dr. King as well as the memory of Maya Angelou.

The morning began with a symbolic march from the First Baptist Church to Finley Middle School which always brings to mind the voter registration march from Selma to Montgomery led by Dr. King in 1965. Commission Chairwoman Sheryl Goodine welcomed everyone with a hearty "Harambe" and introduced Mayor Reginald Spinello whose remarks included the importance of education to eradicate prejudice, guarantee justice and to ensure that the history of the Civil Rights movement is accurately handed down to future generations. 

Participants were treated to an inspiring program in Finley School the highlight of which was the keynote speech given by Glen Cove Police Department Detective Brian Simmons who related his experiences growing up in Glen Cove which included his mother's love and guidance, the friendships founded on respect and the life-changing "push" to pursue a career as a police officer.

This year's program also included performances by the Glen Cove High School Select Chorale under the direction of Ed Norris, the high school drumline under the direction of Nick Carbuto, a rousing song dedicated to peace offered by Cantor Gustavo Gitlin of the Congregation Tifereth Israel, a poem by Victoria Crosby, and personal reflections by Jack McDougal a retired sergeant from the Glen Cove Police Department.