Photo by Keith Weller

In his keynote speech at the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration on Jan. 16, U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings told the audience that in order to get off the "sidelines of life and into the game," they must have a vision and dare to act on that vision.

Cummings, who said he had had stressed that message as he traveled the country on behalf of President-elect Barack Obama, was joined at the event by Emmy Award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield. Whitfield read from My Brother Martin: A Sister Remembers Growing Up With the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a children's book written by King's sister, Christina King Farris.

Levi Watkins, founder and chair of the commemoration, said he chose the two as speakers because of their service and commitment to the civil rights leader's principles for peace, equality and service.

The 27th annual event was held in Turner Auditorium in East Baltimore and broadcast to other university and health system locations.
— Janet Anderson

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