Reverend Tom Fisher gave opening remarks during the MLK Jr. Day celebration, telling attendees to look at their neighbor and say "I love you, and there is nothing you can do about it!"
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The Lockerman Middle School band played multiple selections during the event.
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Lockerman Middle School Principal Jeannine Necessary and Lockerman's Chorus Director Leroy Potter.
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Janet Fountain of the Lockerman Schools Association introduces the speakers and performers throughout the ceremony. Fountain organizes the MLK Jr. Day of Service each year with fellow committee member Wanda Molock.
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The crowd packed the Lockerman Middle School cafeteria.
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Printed lyrics to Lift Every Voice and Sing were distributed so that everyone could take part in opening the ceremony with the song. Rev. Fisher pointed out that Lift Every Voice and Sing is known as "the Black national anthem."
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As faith was a very poignant part of Dr. King's life and teachings, multiple periods of prayer were held during the celebration.
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Sharon Truxon sang Dr. King's favorite hymn, Precious Lord, with immense heart and soul.
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The signature yellow and black uniforms of members of the Buffalo Soliders of the Eastern Shore dotted the crowd.
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Karen Giannato gave a talk on why we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and reminded attendees that "Dr. King's legacy is not just frozen in history."
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The Lockerman Middle School chorus under the direction of Mr. Leroy Potter.
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Ayla Dennis returned for the second year to perform, bringing the house down with her rendition of "A Change Gon' Come" by Sam Cook.
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Board of Education President Michele Wayman and Superintendent Dr. Derek Simmons remarked on what today's youth can learn from Dr. King's words and actions.
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Keith Johnson, representing the Denton Town Council, spoke on Dr. King's unwavering faith through adversity.
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County Commissioner Frank Bartz thanked organizers for allowing the Commissioners an opportunity to be a part of the event each year.
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Leroy Potter plays the piano as his students perform.
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"We are in a season of transition," Vice President of the Lockerman Schools Association Board of Directors Yolanda Acree read a message on not forgetting the historical significance of Lockerman as a pervious all-Black school now that a new middle school has been planned for a different location, "Let's not forget what we have built. Let's not forget Lockerman."
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Caroline County NAACP President Sherone Lewis spoke of the "responsibility to continue" the work of Dr. King.
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President of the Lockerman Schools Association, Willie Brown, and Janet Fountain recognize Reverend Pearl Jeter for her contributions to the event each year.
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Reverend Pearl Jeter holds up her achievement award with Wanda Molock and Willie Brown. Rev. Jeter makes the trip from Baltimore to Denton to be a part of the event each year, no matter the weather.
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Sammy Scott performs MLK Jr.'s famous "I have a dream" speech with piano accompaniment by Mr. Potter to close out the ceremony.
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Savannah Winston helps give out the bagged lunches, provided by Denton Walmart, to all attendees.
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Reverend Terrance Nichols gives the benediction alongside Fountain and Molock.
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Members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority help distribute the lunches after the ceremony.
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Denton Walmart provided bag lunches for all attendees, including fried chicken, rolls, chips, sodas, and cookies.
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While the event was free and open to the public, attendees were encouraged to bring toiletries to donate to His Hope Ministries, a local homelessness resource.
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