Friday, January 13, 2017
The Office of Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and the Springfield NAACP held a celebration and flag raising to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Students from the MLK Charter School of Excellence and participants sang the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” heard speeches from students Serenity Figueroa and Zakahri Caldwell, and raised the flag of Dr. King outside of City Hall. Mayor Sarno and Zakahri presented a proclamation declaring Monday, January 16, 2017 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the City of Springfield. In addition to the ceremony, Bishop Talbert Swan was sworn in as President of the NAACP. The swearing in was given by Sheriff Nick Cocchi. Senator James Welch administered the oath to NAACP 1st Vice President Ida Flynn, 2nd Vice President Rev. Mark A. Baymon, Sr., 3rd Vice President Leslie Smith, Secretary Ann-Bailey-Leavenworth, Assistant Secretary Farrah Smith, and Treasurer Sophia Jeffery.
