Hoboken Community Gathers for MLK Celebration

All Saints Episcopal Church was jam packed Monday, as the Hoboken community celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during its annual Sing Out For Justice concert. 

Hundreds of parents and involved community members attended to listen to the children of the Mustard Seed School, Hoboken Charter School and individual performers. 

"We're embracing the diversity of the community in honor of Martin Luther King," said S.K. Duff, director of service learning at the Hoboken Charter School. 

All the proceeds— from the sale of Starbucks coffee, coffee cake and cookies, and the cover charge—went to relief efforts for Haiti. By around 6 p.m. last night, more than $700 was raised. 

"This year has a special meaning," said Hoboken Charter High School Principal Ria Grosvenor, "reiterated by the tragedy in Haiti."

Those who attended the concert, which started promptly at 4 p.m. and lasted more than two hours, said this one was the most energetic to date. 

On Friday Hoboken Charter School organized the annual Martin Luther King Day march on Washington Street. The concert was the culmination of the school's efforts to educate its students on civil rights, community service and diversity, said Duff. 

Duff delivered a speech, students from the Mustard Seed School joined in with students from Hoboken Charter School and performed the entrance procession, singing "Sweet Chariot." 

Other songs performed were "A Change is Gonna Come," "Heavenly Day," and "I Shall Be Released."

On the sides of the church, which was too crowded to move around in, were tables showcasing the students' work and tables where kids could do activities. 

Councilman-at-Large David Mello attended with his wife and daughter. 

"I just thought I'd check it out," he said. "It's great."

Members of the Hoboken clergy were also in attendance. Rabbi Robert Scheinberg of the United Hoboken Synagogue stopped by, as well as Reverend Geoffrey Curtiss, president of the All Saints Community and Service Development Corporation. 

The constant buzz of playing kids and chatting parents did not make most forget the reason why they came to the event—to celebrate civil rights and a diverse community. 

"It's a nice way to celebrate what Dr. Martin Luther King stood for on a complete community level," prinicpal Grosvenor said.