Chairperson Roberta Medina with Dr. Neal A. Lester, keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. fifth annual program at PebbleCreek.
Carolyn Suttles
Monday, January 19 PebbleCreek celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Tuscany Falls Theatre. Just Folks Association, in partnership with Lifelong Learning, presented a powerful message citing that work still needs to be done to keep the dream moving forward. Chairperson Roberta Medina brought together civic leaders, church leaders, students and educators.
Opening and welcome remarks were given by Chairperson Roberta Medina. President of the Just Folks Association Jerome Sims welcomed the audience. Tessie Sharp, accompanied by pianist Beverly Kim, led the audience in singing Lift Every Voice and Sing. The Litany, A Place for Prayer, was given by Pastor Gae Chalker of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and Master Sergeant Olivia Wanzo; they led the audience praising Dr. King. “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live” (MLK). May we find the courage to sacrifice for truth, stand up for justice and oppose with our very lives the power of death.
Mayor Georgia Lord greeted the audience and introduced her council members. She thanked the Just Folks Association for celebrating and recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by hosting such a wonderful event. We should always remember Dr. King’s important lesson that, “The time is always right to do what is right.” Continue to promote love, justice and community values.
A video presentation by Miranda and MeKay Jessop, Producers, was shown entitled No More, published, June 17, 2013. It depicted the children of Birmingham taking part in the struggle for rights and freedom. The demonstrations rang around the world resulting in legislation by President Lyndon B. Johnson. Students Alexis Henderson, Kendall King, Jamie A. Misquez, Darrian Emery and vocalist Faith Emery, in reaction to the video, gave a drama presentation Remembering the Children’s Crusade, by Director Angela Artman.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Neal Lester, was introduced by George Warden, Social Chair of Just Folks Association. Dr. Lester is Foundation Professor of English and Founding Director of Project Humanities at Arizona State University. His message, “What happens to a dream deferred. Are we losing our humanity?” He stressed honoring the pledge of Humanity 101: Compassion, Empathy, Forgiveness, Kindness, Respect and Self Reflection. They advocate for an even better tomorrow by declaring these key principles which we believe represent humanity at its best. An audience Question and Answer session followed. The Project Humanity website at ASU: www.humanities.asu.edu.
Douglas Nintzed, chairperson of Unity Initiative, spoke on Seeking Social Diversity. Their vision is Unity Initiative wants to unite people of all diversities into a harmonious community to foster an environment for overcoming prejudice. Roberta Medina gave closing remarks and Pastor Dennis Kizzler of PebbleCreek Community Church administered the Benediction.
The program ended in tradition, holding hands and led by Tessie Sharp singing We Shall Overcome. Thanks to Roberta Medina and her committee for such a spiritual morning filled with inspirational messages in honor of a great man, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; a man with a dream.