Last Sunday, Jan. 14, in the midst of the cold and blistering evening, at the Alliance Tabernacle Church in Brooklyn as the nation prepared to celebrate the birthday, of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and also memorializing his death all across the globe and specifically in the United States, Brooklynites once again proved that the legacy of this legend will last for a lifetime for many people, and Jan. 15 will always be significant to them.
In a demonstrative way to honor and reflect on Dr. King’s exceptional qualities and life, the evening’s event began with a delightful rendition of the song “Lift Every Voice” performed beautifully, by two young adults from the Easterling Family, members of the community.
The wide cross-section of community residents, members of Alliance Tabernacle Church, some Brooklyn politicians, along with an august group of preachers gathered to reclaim the legacy of Dr. King and effectively disseminate this legacy to everyone, especially the young people attending the evening’s program.
New York State Senator, Charles Schumer one of the first to speak reflected on the days prior to Martin Luther King holiday when the senate struggled during conversation committees to pass laws to observe January 15 as a public holiday for the American people. According to Schumer it was a struggle for this day to become a national holiday, “Dr. King’s work was exceptional and unique. The work of Dr. King forced America to look into a mirror and see themselves.”
In continuing, Schumer said, the words and deeds of Dr. King have elevated so many people. The NY senator said he was pleased to see so many young people attending the evening’s event and asked that their voices not be dismissed. “Take time to invest in our young people” Senator Schumer stated. “Today we honor one of the greatest,” Schumer said. The senator also acknowledged the strong presence from members of the Flatbush Leadership Academy and The GodSquad, the organization operating the work and functions of the academy and assisting with victims and families in the community during challenging times, especially relating to gun violence.
New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, also in attendance noted during his speech that Dr. King too fought for, better housing, education, and a better justice system decades ago and the baton has been passed on, “so find your area of expertise and finish his speech,” the mayor suggested. Mayor Adams said that constructing housing in New York City is a priority for his administration and he has invested in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). The mayor encouraged the young people to reclaim the legacy of Dr. King and pass on the baton, “make sure you have a firm grip on the baton, we need you now,” he said.
The three-hour event had several pastors brilliantly articulating the work, voice, and legacy of Dr. King. “We have a legacy to uphold” the audience was told, especially the young people. “This is the season to bring on transformation,” Rev. Tisha Dixon-Williams said referring to the need for changes in public policies and programs to benefit the young and the poor, asking the audience to reclaim the voice of Dr. King.
Speaking also were Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, who congratulated the clergy leaders on the awesomeness of their work and noted that she felt encouraged by the evening’s event. Brooklyn District Attorney, Eric Gonzalez, spoke and said that there was need for a reformed justice system, also announcing the effectiveness of the buyback gun program. City Councilmembers, Rita Joseph and Farah Louis, spoke and encouraged the audience, especially the young members to get engaged in their communities and serve. Attending also was NY State Assemblymember, Brian Cunningham, who represents the 43rd Assembly District.
Pastor Melanie Rochford, Pastor Jason Hendricks, Antoine Quick echoing the melodic rhythm of Black cultural music, and Dillion Springer, an aspiring artist who attends Erasmus High School in Flatbush entertained the audience. The performances were beautifully rendered and had everyone applauding at length.
The group of interfaith leaders and Brooklyn’s politicians had numerous opinions, but one message, all at hand, calling on the young people in attendance to reclaim the work of Dr. King, and to remember those who came before.
