Asking some serious questions of ourselves for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
The 37th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Scholarship Breakfast poses an inquiry for the ages, one that demands mirrored introspection.
“Are We Fulfilling the Dream?” serves as a significant theme for this Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Epsilon Upsilon Omega Chapter event Monday, January 15, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency.
Sponsored by the Ivy League Educational Foundation, Inc. to raise money for scholarships, the breakfast acknowledges the power of education.
With more than 240,000 members in approximately 1,000 chapters in the U.S. and several other countries, the breakfast question deserves affirmation.
With an emphasis on service and culture, represented by crested colors of salmon pink and apple green, Alpha Kappa Alpha founded on January 15, 1908 at the historically black Howard University in Washington, D.C., maintains a hallowed call to positively impact individuals and community.
One century, plus one decade ago, a group of 16 students, including founder, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, formed a sorority that empowered young black women.
Dr. King birthed on this same date 21 years afterward, establishing an eternal connection. AKA members showcased courage, destiny and dream power before the arrival of a world civil rights champion.
More than 50 years since Dr. King’s assassination, people express passion about their role in building dreams.
“We are fulfilling Dr. King’s dream but surely there’s much more work that we can do,” Adrienne King, chairperson for this breakfast event, said.
“And it doesn’t necessarily have to be directly in synch with his platform. Maybe it’s our retirees giving back to the community or educators who are educating our youth in preparation for outstanding futures. There’s something for everyone to do.”
King, a Bowie State University graduate, discussed her AKA chapter’s desires to give back.
“We take pride in developing our youth, assuring they have opportunities to have great lives. We have adopted Village Charter School and support Project TEACH,” a comprehensive educational program which provides pregnant and parenting adolescents with the skills needed to create a positive life for themselves and their children.
“Project TEACH allows for alternative routes toward receiving an education. AKA members know that many roads lead to successful lifestyles,” King said.
King, a litigation adjuster for New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Group, expressed joy and pride regarding her Alpha Kappa Alpha sisterhood. “It’s such a bond,” King said. “We come together as educated women from all walks of life but with one common goal in mind: being a service to all mankind.”
Tickets cost $45. Contact Lauren Washington at lauren. washington21@yahoo.com or visit aka-ivyleague-mlkbreakfast.eventbrite.com
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Hamilton Township holds a 15th annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute on Thursday, January 11, 2018, at Faith Baptist Church (located at 2111 Kuser Road in Hamilton) beginning at 7 p.m.
Mayor Kelly Yaede offered an emailed statement.
“Still to this day, the great legacy of Dr. King stands as an enduring example for equality and compassion,” says Mayor Kelly Yaede. “I hope that many of our residents will once again join us for this beautiful annual tribute, which brings so many in our community together in honor of Dr. King.”
This year, as part of the ceremony’s tradition, the annual Spirit of the Community Service Award will be presented posthumously to Gary Gray, a former longtime Principal at Hamilton’s Wilson Elementary School and first Director of the Hamilton Township Bromley Neighborhood Community Center.
Additionally, three local high school students (Roldy Dupont of Steinert High School,
Merna Adbel-Gleil of Hamilton High School West and Beatrice Boyce of Nottingham High School) will receive Dr. King Community Service Scholarships.
A special keynote address will be given by Rev. Wayne Griffith, the Pastor of First Baptist Lighthouse Center.
The ceremony includes remarks by Mayor Yaede and Pastor Lance Walker of Faith Baptist Church, musical performances by the Hamilton High School West Jazz band and student Kaylee Thomas, along with performances by the Faith Baptist Church Choir.
The annual tribute is organized each year by the Hamilton Township Municipal Government and co-sponsored the CYO Bromley Neighborhood Center and the J.O. Wilson Neighborhood Service Center, as well as Faith Baptist Church, which graciously hosts the ceremony.
Admission is free.