MLK Commission announces 2009 MLK March and Commemorative Program keynote speaker

The City’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is proud to announce that Manuel V. Scott, an original Freedom Writer, will be the 2009 MLK March and Commemorative Program keynote speaker.

Scott, whose story was depicted in the 2007 Hollywood movie entitled Freedom Writers, is a motivational speaker who has traveled throughout the United States, Asia, Africa and Europe empowering leaders, educators and youth by sharing his own life’s journey from a high school dropout to the inspiring college educated individual he is today.

Scott, who has appeared on several national television news programs including “The View” and “Nightline” exemplifies Dr. King’s strong conviction for educational equality.

In addition to hearing the uplifting story of Scott’s transformation, people attending the MLK Commemorative Program will hear the harmonious sounds of Grammy nominated Gospel artist Marvin Sapp.

Sapp’s single "Never Would Have Made It" from his seventh album entitled Thirsty, spent 26 consecutive weeks at number one on Billboards Gospel Chart and has spent a total of over 40 weeks as the most popular song in the gospel format. No song has ever dominated the charts in one genre like that before. Sapp, who is the founder and senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church in Michigan, believes that he is not a singer who happens to preach but a preacher called by God who is gifted to sing.

The MLK March starts at 10:00 a.m. at the MLK Freedom Bridge near the Eastside Boys and Girls Club, 3503 MLK Drive. Marchers will journey through San Antonio’s eastside, bringing a portrayal of the marches Dr. King led to the final destination of Pittman-Sullivan Park, 1101 Iowa.

For more information on the march and other MLK events, visit www.sanantonio.gov/mlk or call (210) 207-2098.