Plan to enjoy two renowned historically Black men's choirs from the Progressive Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Albany at our celebration of Martin Luther King Day, Monday, January 17th at 7 PM at the Bennington Performing Arts Center.

The Mount Olive Men's Chorus organized 40 years ago with the hope of bringing men back to the church in prominent roles. The second group, Innervisions, is a traditional gospel quartet who perform both classic and contemporary gospel songs using tight four-part harmonies. Their quartet singing style is the same genre that produced singers like Sam Cooke, Mavis Staples, and Lou Rawls.

There is no charge for the concert, and a free-will offering will benefit Bennington County Open Arms and their work resettling families from Afghanistan in Bennington County. Grace Winslow will speak to us about local immigration and resettlement in the spirit of honoring Dr. King.

The winners of the 2022 Martin Luther King High School Poster Contest will be recognized. We will see all the dynamic work of the graphic arts students from Betsy Kane's class at the SW Vermont Regional Technical Center. Their works will be interpreting Dr. King's Message: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere".

Organized by and the Greater Bennington Peace and Justice Center and the Greater Bennington Interfaith Council, several sponsors are making this special program possible: The Bennington Friends Meeting, Second Congregational Church, and the Munley-Rossiter family.

The Performing Arts Center is located at 331 Main St. in Bennington. Participants are required to wear a mask and provide proof of vaccination.