The LS annual MLK assembly is coming up on Friday, February 14th. This year, for the first time since 2009, there will be two recipients: brothers Brian and Christopher Worrell, both LS graduates who serve in the Boston City Council and in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, respectively.

The award is presented to those who work to keep Dr. King’s dream alive with a lifelong devotion to social justice. “That can take many different forms,” explained Mrs. Weisse, one of the MLK coordinators. “For us, keeping the dream alive can be in any discipline or any sector.” 

Weisse continued to explain that, like how Dr. King also advocated for the poor and against war, it doesn’t necessarily have to be racial.

In this year’s case, both recipients hold public office to represent their constituents. Brian Worrell has worked to help small businesses and expand home ownership opportunities in his district. “Some districts that have minority populations in them have suffered over the years from prejudice that didn’t afford them the same opportunities as other districts,” explained Ms. Frommer, another MLK coordinator.

Christopher Worrell, the other recipient, has been advocating for the METCO program to expand education. He has also helped with housing, health equity, and criminal justice reform.

Additionally, Dr. William “Smitty” Smith, former principal of Curtis Middle School, will be honored during the assembly. Before passing away in late 2024, Smith founded the National Center for Race Amity, which tries to bring people together across race. LS is honored to continue King’s legacy.