Members, family, and friends gathered at Strong Memorial Hospital on Monday, January 16 for the 36th annual 1199SEIU Rochester tribute to the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. through song, dance, and poetry. Many of the presenters were talented children with wisdom beyond their years.

It was an inspiring celebration that energized the audience to stand united as we prepare to face the enormous obstacles we anticipate in the coming year. "In today's climate, when the world is in turmoil about what will happen next. We must remember the dream of Dr. King. And realize that for our children's sake, it cannot and will not be deferred," said Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren in her powerful keynote address. Mayor Warren also recognized 1199SEIU for our continued fight for better wages, better healthcare, better training, job security and the social justices and equal rights that Dr. King believed in.

"We understand that there are injustices,” said David Heath, Vice Chair of 1199SEIU at Strong Hospital “but when our people, country and nation all stick together, there's nothing we cannot overcome.”