Sen. Kevin Parker told a packed audience that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., preached that only love could heal hate, as he honored the legacy of the civil rights leader during the 15th Annual “A Shared Dream” tribute at the Goshen Temple of Seventh-Day Adventists in Brooklyn.
“A joyous welcome to the life and legacy of Rev. MLK Jr. 15th Anniversary tribute, a labor of love that began during my first year in office,” the politician said recently, noting that MLK Jr. in his short 38 years, fought for civil rights, which is an important part of black history, and plays a critical part of who we are, our culture and our community.
The politician, said education was important to the community, adding it was not only a key to opening that door, but a sledgehammer to knock that door down, he noted, before joining, board members of “A Shared Dream Foundation” to present scholarship checks of $1,000.00 to Shemar Cole and Chanelle Wilson. The organization looks forward to expanding its scholarship program within the next few years.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, Sen. Parker, later, introduced Leader of the Democratic Caucus, Chuck Schumer, who, in his greeting, said MLK was an amazing man, needed today.
Sen. Schumer called for Americans to stay united, and not lose faith, adding that MLK Jr.’s message was more poignant today. “If we heed his word and practice his teachings, we will succeed, and the bad people will fail,” said Sen. Schumer.
Assemblywoman, Rodneyse Bichotte thanked Sen. Parker, who has collaborated with the A Shared Dream Foundation over the years, to honor MLK Jr., noting that the work legislators do in the community was important to keeping guns out of the hands of kids, while ensuring education is pivotal in ensuring they receive the necessary training needed.
Councilmember, now Public Advocate, elect, Jumaane Williams, also extended greetings on the special MLK Jr. tribute, calling on the community to vote. Staff, Farah Louis also attended the event.
A Libation by baba Ifayinka (Carl Fanfair) and the IIe OSA Knaran Yoruba, Cultural and Spiritual Center, called up the ancestors, while Rev. Charles O. Calbreath of Clarendon Road Church prayed for the proceedings.
The tribute in “word & sound” emcee by WLIB/WBLS, host, Liz Black, followed, with energizing performances, by Grammy Award Nominated — The Walls Group & Songstress Lisa Page Brooks, who revved up youth with their hip-hop style gospel.
Kymberli Joyce — NBC The Voice Finalist, in turn, wowed the crowd, as invigorating, Gospel greats, Group Fire, and Jules Bartholomew & Judacamp got the audience on its feet.
Spoken word poet, Negus Adeyemi, Ifetayo Cultural Arts Academy, and Kym Hampton, who paid tribute to Nancy Wilson, brought together a resounding honor, certainly befitting MLK’s legacy.
Thanks to the generous contributions of Charter, Macys, Verizon, National Grid, SHARE, Con Edison, REBNY, Golden Krust and Doc’s Cake Shop the event was a success.
