Written by Tanya Terry, with featured photo by L.M. Land
Featured photo: Youth performance was a highlight of the recent 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Comunity Celebration, held at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library
The 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Comunity Celebration was an inspiring event held in the C.S. Mott Foundation Community Room, on the first floor of the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library.
performed the prelude and also accompanied the program’s vocalist later in the program. Photo by L.M. Land
After a short prelude from Pianist Anthony Feimster Jr., Interim Executive Director of the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library Ann Manko spoke the following words: “When we come together with purpose, Dr. King’s vision remains not only relevent, but achieveable.”
The theme of the celebration was “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation The Nonviolent Way.”
“We gather to engage with a living legacy, a legacy that is above all active in Flint,” stated Executive Director of DEI & Community Relations for the Flint & Genesee Group Sandra Etherly-Johnson.
She added: “It is a force that does not sit quietly in the history books, but one that speaks, and insists and challenges us in this very moment.
Photo by L.M. Land
“We reflect on his good work, the monumental efforts for justice, for voting rights, for human dignity. Yet, perhaps the true miracle of that work is not just what changed then, but what continues to change now within and among us.”
Jasmine Turman provided a vocal solo, wih Anthony Feimster Jr. on keys, as Jennifer Poole gave lively and accurate American Sign Language Interpretation. Photo by L.M. LandAfter a beautiful, soulful rendition of the Black National Anthem sange by Jasmine Turman with accompanist Anthony Feimster Jr., Dr. Tiffany Quinn offered attendees a “healing moment.”
Quinn gently led those present through a practice involving taking slow, deep breaths, then releasing the breath though their mouths. They were asked to notice and relax their shoulders, jaws, then hands. Later in the practice, with each inhale they silently said to themselves “I am the present.” With each exhale they were asked to release what they could not control. Quinn reminded the community members and guests “we are all breathing the same air. We are sharing he same space, and we are all participating in the same legacy.”
At the end of the practice, the group took a deep breath together and reflected silently on the questions: “How can I contribute to community?” and “How do I show up?” They then opened their eyes and returned their awareness to the room, hopefully having taken a step towards healing not only themselves, but their worlds.
A youth performance was given by the young ladies and men of the XINOS and KUDOS, National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Gamma Delta Chapter. As they moved, stomped and chanted, the youth shared facts about some of the Black historical figures that encouraged them to be their best, or their philosophies on life.
Asa Ascensio Zuccaro, vice president of the board of trustees for the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, said he couldn’t remember the first MLK event he’d attended at the library.
“But, I feel like I grew up coming, and to see the community still comes out and it resonates, and it’s a positive, uplifting message, it’s amazing, as well as the youth,” he added. “The youth play a component and them being involved in it and remembering and honoring the life and legacy of Dr. King is amazing!”
Turman sang “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” as Feimster played the piano. The song was written by the father of Black gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey following him experiencing tragic loss, but was famously performed and popularized by artists such as Mahalia Jackson.
Fittingly, President of Flint Neighborhoods United Carma Lewis gave a moving keynote speech also intended to invoke positive change.
Lewis told the Courier the main point she wanted those who heard her speech to receive was: “we have to save ourselves. We cannot Superman to come in. We have to come together and do it ourselves.”
In the speech, Lewis referred to “wild, painful and traumatic times” in the 70s and 80s, when she was coming of age.
Lewis shared she faced suicide twice.
“It’s actually because of traumatic experiences, you can take those experiences, and if you learn from them, and come togther, you can move past it all.”
Lewis was fortunately taught by several women in her family that she could do anything, and if it hadn’t been done, she could figure out how to do it.
“I was encouraged to go to school, which a lot of them had not done,” shared Lewis. “When I came home and started working in community, it was through volunteerism, after my father had passed. I cut grass. I started volunteering through Flint Neighborhoods United, and I volunteered at Neighborhood Engagement Hub.”
Lewis believes anyone with a heart to do so can help their communities, and everyone has a talent.
Flint Neighborhoods United is a coalition of neighborhood associations.
“Different organizations that have resources for the neighborhood associations, Flint Neighborhoods United is where they can bring those resources.”
Lewis invited everyone to join a neighborhood association.
She added that Flint Neighborhoods United meets at 9:30 a.m. each first Saturday of each month at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library .
American Sign Language interpretation was provided by Jennifer Poole and Sarah Houston, and Spanish translation was provided by the Latinx Technology & Community Center.
So, all were able to take part in a memorable celebration that left an impact that I expect will extend beyond the walls of the library.
