ABC Speaker Series Brings Alumni Voices to Andover

Alumni, Scholars Honor the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Hundreds of people heard from ABC of Andover alumni, scholars and board members over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, as seven faith communities hosted our Opening Doors Speaker Series. While each service was different, one message was common: we live in a time when everyone needs to show courage and speak up for justice.

“Andover, it’s time to hear the sound of justice in a new and profoundly different way.”

At West Parish Church, ABC alumna LaKisha Williams preached that it is our responsibility to speak up and stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Williams, the young adult minister at Antioch Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, said, “When there are over 140 million poor and low-income people in this nation, it’s time to break the silence. When there is an unconscious comfortability and tolerance of white supremacy, privilege and entitlement, it’s time to break the silence… Andover, it’s time to hear the sound of justice in a new and profoundly different way.”

That sound echoed across town in the words of other speakers, who shared their thoughts on King’s legacy and how it resonates today. At Temple Emanuel, ABC alumnus Ian Dowe told congregants watching on Zoom, Facebook Live and Andover TV, “As I think about Martin Luther King, Jr., and I think about the past year and where we are as a nation, what I encourage people to do is to have those hard conversations with folks...Be OK to have those conversations, be OK to be a little bit uncomfortable, because through being uncomfortable, it can actually move the needle.”

“Serving benefits the served and also the server.”

At Christ Church, Mark Ayers, a member of the first ABC of Andover class in 1969, reminded parishioners that “serving benefits the served and also the server.” After graduating from Andover High School, Dartmouth College and Miami University, Ayers had a 35-year career in IT before turning his own time to teaching and coaching students. “When we observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday, two words come to mind to me that symbolize his life: one is opportunity, and the other is service,” Ayers said.

Other speakers underscored that message, mentioning the impact of ABC and Andover host families, several of whom were in attendance at virtual services over the weekend. At Ballard Vale United Church alumna Anita Holmes spoke of her transition from Tennessee to Andover and about the positive influences of the ABC program and two families in particular, her host family, the Corbetts, and an early ABC volunteer Margot Bixby.

Katarina Curtin, an ABC of Andover board member and alumni of ABC at Brooks School in North Andover, spoke to Faith Lutheran Church, where she linked the ideals of service and hope. She shared that ABC provides infinite hope to our Scholars and gives them strength to believe in themselves, saying, “In a world of disappointment, these Scholars need advocates.”

“Opening Doors Speaker Series” Recordings Available Online

At South Church, the Rev Dana Allen Walsh reminded congregants of the historical context in the 1960s as an introduction to powerful readings by 2020 graduate Dia Keita, who shared from “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” and current Scholar Kiarra, who read King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

As it has for 14 years, Andover Baptist Church held its Annual MLK Jr. Day Program on Monday. It featured orator and Andover High School teacher Ralph Bledsoe performing the “I Have a Dream” speech, with guest speakers State Representative Tram Nguyen, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and ABC alumna Doyinsade Awodele. Awodele shared her reflection on love and neighborliness, saying, “this will challenge each and everyone one of us.”

Services across town ended with organ postludes, echoes of “We Shall Overcome,” and neighbors and friends reminding one another to use their voices audaciously and courageously. You can watch all of the weekend Speaker Series on the ABC of Andover website and read more in the Eagle Tribune Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message recalled at local services.