HONORING A DREAM
Lodians celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
The voice of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and ’60s, Martin Luther King Jr.’s message seemed just as timely and relevant during a celebration in Lodi more than half a century later.
“Dr. King wanted us to reach the goal of dearly loving people who reside near us and share our government, cultural and historical heritage,” Assemblyman Jim Cooper said during the Breakthrough Project for Social Justice’s 19th annual Celebration of Unity on Monday at First United Methodist Church in Lodi.
“At a time in our nation’s history where division, fear and hatred are rampant, we need to focus on the goal of loving our shared values, culture and heritage. While we may not agree with each other all the time, we are undoubtedly stronger together. When we work together to accomplish goals, everyone benefits.”
Cooper served as the keynote speaker for the event held in King’s honor. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Living Out Martin Luther King Jr.’s Beloved Community,” and Breakthrough President Lusandra Vincent voiced the importance of love in the community.
Vincent thanked member Randy Rosa and the 18 other citizens who started the Breakthrough Project in 1998 for standing up against intolerance and hate in the community.
“Your courage and determination that Lodi shall be a safe and livable home for all of us has made us a stronger and better community,” she said. “Those of us who’ve lived in Lodi for a long time can see that the dream you had of a more inclusive and fair city is coming true.”
During the celebration, nine members of the community were recognized for their efforts to promote peace and justice.
“These Lodians who often volunteer without recognition or any attention are working every day to make our community a stronger more just place for all us,” Vincent said. “They are models for us, and it’s our honor to recognize the ... efforts of our nine beloved peacemakers.”
The honorees were awarded a certificate of recognition from the State of California as well as a certificate of recognition from the Breakthrough Project.
Sheila Dunn was recognized for working to build a more inclusive community and to provide support for children and families while Lindsay Grant, Alex Navarro and Jose Rodriquez were recognized for their work with the Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin and the Lodi Gang Reduction and Intervention Program.
Gary Kellam was honored for starting the Food Distributing Program at Lawrence Park and collecting coats for the homeless. Also recognized was Mamrez Khan for his hospitality at Hutchins Street Square as well as his mosque.
Rev. Katsuya Kusunoki was recognized for his work as the minister of the Buddhist Church of Lodi and practicing peacemaking in his personal life. Barbara Rankin was recognized for volunteering her medical expertise to the homeless once a week at St. Mary’s Shelter and mentoring students interested in medicine. Donna Swinney was recognized for starting Animal Friends Connection for homeless cats and dogs.
In addition to the recognition of the peacemakers. the 2017 Art Rabb Memorial Essay fifth- and sixth-grade winners were recognized during the celebration Monday afternoon.
Fifth-grade winners included second-place finisher Brooke Graef from Ms. Ruiz’s class at Needham Elementary, third-place finisher Makayla Lawson from Mrs. Keefer’s class at Larson Elementary and honorable mention recipient Alexander Wolf from Mrs. Torres’ class at Julia Morgan Elementary.
The first-place winner was Saja El Kheidi from Mrs. Allard’s class at Larson Elementary, who recited her winning essay on peace activist and women’s rights advocate Leymah Gbowee during the celebration.
Sixth-grade winners included second-place finisher Ruby Novero from Mrs. Hansston’s class at Julia Morgan Elementary, third-place finisher Sophia Morales from Mrs. McKilligan’s class at Borchardt Elementary, and honorable mention recipient Grace Thiara from Mrs. Bartlam’s class at Larson Elementary.
First-place winner Ahzhanay Bernard from Ms. Meyer’s class at Creekside Elementary recited her essay on how First Lady Michelle Obama is making the world a better place, one initiative at a time.