As a Canton Rotary Club, we support activities which build up our community, and especially events that recognize the unique role Canton has played in key events in the country. The Interfaith Coalition of Stark County sponsoring an event this Friday, March 20 which will commemorate one such event, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech at Canton Memorial Auditorium on March 20, 1964 during a pivotal time in the country in that debate over civil rights. The 1964 Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed through Congress and was signed in July of that year. Rev. Sheridan Lancaster through his friendship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. invited him to speak at the Canton Memorial Auditorium.
Pastor George Lancaster of Zion's Temple Church of God and the senior Reverend Lancaster's grandson, reached out to the Mayor's office, Canton City Schools, the King family, and several organizations to come together in support of a Commemoration Day, in which we celebrate Canton's role. Our club will participate in a luncheon this Friday with members of the King Family to be held at the Christ the Servant Parish / Our Lady of Peace School gym,. Here are the details; hope to see you there.
WHERE: Christ the Servant Catholic Parish, 1001- 39th Street NW Canton 44709, in the Our Lady of Peace School Gym - entrance with the overhang at the bottom of the hill.
WHEN: Friday, March 20, 2026 @ 12 noon.
WHAT: Luncheon will include a presentation by Gregory Scott Foster, cousin of Coretta Scott King, who frequently speaks on the legacy of his cousin and her husband, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. From a news article, "Foster wants students to understand Coretta's role in supporting Martin's mission, and her own strong commitment to social justice not just for herself, also for women of this country, and for all people'." Luncheon co-hosted by the Interfaith Coalition of Stark County and Pax Christi of Stark County. A freewill donation is requested.