When community organizers installed solar lights at the memorials for Coretta Scott King and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. located in the namesake city park along Carlton Avenue in May 2018, they hoped to shine some light on the lessons of the Kings’ social activism, both literally and figuratively. The memorial is the annual destination for the Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights March, which is held each January.

Recently, 20 of the 24 lights were stolen and this has raised a variety of concerns among the march organizers and supporters. The theft was reported to the Bethlehem Police Department, according to event chairman Frankie West.

Event organizers find the theft very disturbing.

“We’re concerned because we’re looking for the city to take care of it,” said march committee member Rev. Timothy Smith, noting also that the area around the memorials has dog waste in the grass.

“Everybody is part of Dr, King’s dream, it’s all -inclusive,” said Smith.

Organizer Frankie West questioned the city’s commitment to the dream, noting that nobody from city government walks in the Civil Rights March, on a federal holiday which community members worked to gain for Bethlehem city government employees.

Former Bethlehem resident Samantha Pheiffer has participated in the march for about 10 years. She said she thinks perhaps something else is at work beyond simple vandalism.

“I’m concerned that it may be hate based, particularly in these times,” she said, “and I’m concerned that it’s happening in my hometown of Bethlehem.”

Roberto Clemente Charter School social studies teacher and Bethlehem native Rich Polgar has walked in the Civil Rights March for about 20 years, often accompanied by some of his students. He involves them to stress the theme of service.

“So much of my life has been defined by racial relations,” Polgar said, “and I’m sensitive to the vandalism because it’s counter to what people like Frankie are trying to accomplish.”

Polgar thinks it may be less important who is responsible for the vandalism and more important to broaden our understanding of diversity.

“It’s all the more reason why this memorial has to be restored and maintained,” he said.

West said that efforts to do exactly that are underway.