African American Club of West Pasco marks Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a symbolic march and spirited speeches

MLK_3_2022JPG — Members of the River Ridge Middle Choir, led by Travis Henry, spring "Ukuthula," a traditional South AAfrican Song of Praise, during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. in Port Richey. PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
January 17, 2022

It’s tradition for members of the African American Club of West Pasco to put out the welcome mat to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Much like the honorable reverend and civil rights leader’s own speeches and gatherings, the local event held on Jan. 19, 2022, and led by AAC president, Ephraim Livingston, featured representation from the leaders of various faiths.

It was a diverse group at the annual event that was attended by dozens of community members including New Port Richey Mayor, Rob Marlowe, who appeared to be the lone local politician to attend.

A symbolic march was led by children carrying signs of unity, equality, and love during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration held Jan. 17, 2022, in Port Richey.
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

As the weather goes, it was on the cool side, but morning clouds broke in time for the symbolic march led by children singing “We Shall Overcome” as they walked from Unity Mission Baptist Church on Pine Hill Road In Port Richey, past the former “blacks only” Booker T. Washington School that now houses the AAC, and down the hill to the Unity Spiritual Center.

There, community members gathered as Reverend Clyde E. Carter, President of the Pasco County NAACP Branch 5630 led the invocation with veteran and AAC Club member, Dan Callahan leading the pledge.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Kim D. Moore, Assistant Superintendent for Career and Innovative Programs For Pasco County Schools, reflected on hearing about Dr. King’s assassination as a junior high student in Pennsylvania, sharing how she did not fully comprehend the reverend’s message or his mission until she was stationed in Alabama in the 1980s, not far from what the locals called “klan country.”

Now as an educator, she introduced a protocol for much-needed would-be-leaders on how to “be the light that drives out darkness” by planning, taking action, and checking and rechecking goals in order to help further and fulfill King’s dream.

Don’t be afraid to start small – in your neighborhood, she said, noting that Dr. King started that way, too, before the actions of those involved in Mongomery Bus Boycott (Dec. 1955-Dec. 1956) helped launch his mission for equality.

Members of the River Ridge Middle Choir, led by Travis Henry, spring “Ukuthula,” a traditional South AAfrican Song of Praise, during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration. in Port Richey.
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

The ceremony also included a slide presentation featuring Dr. King’s famous quotes and a music performance featuring a traditional South African Song of Peace called “Ukuthula” sung acapella by members of the River Ridge Middle School choir, led by Travis Henry. Attendees were also invited to join in a rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” accompanied by Jacob Labadie on piano, and held lighted candles while singing in unison the spiritual, “Let It Shine.“

Youth members of the African American Club of West Pasco light candles for the singing of “Let It Shine” during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration held Jan. 17 in Port Richey.
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER

Other speakers included Ron Becker, Spiritual Leader of the Jewish Community Center of West Pasco and an AAC member. He noted that his year, Dr. King’s birthday coincided with the Jewish holiday Tu BiShvat. Also known as Rosh HaShanah La’Ilanot, the holiday that started at dusk on Jan. 16 and ends on Jan. 17 is a celebration of the New Year of Trees, and the importance of a healthy environment.

Many plant trees on this day knowing that they will never see them grow to fruition, Becker said, much like Dr. King’s own planting of a dream that has endured despite his assassination.

Closing it out was a spirited benediction – a “Call to Action” – from Imam Ahmed Aly from the Islamic Center of New Port Richey.

“America needs hundreds of Martin Luther Kings today!” he said, garnering enthusiastic applause.

He spoke with urgency, sharing his own family’s experience with prejudice because of their dress, heritage, and religion. Members of their community are too often judged by the actions of those in the minority that take the religion of Islam out of context, he said.

“Do not hear about us, hear from us,” he said, noting a shared belief in Christian prophets.

‘No more racism. No more hatred.,” he said. “The nation needs to be united with love and mercy.”

“The hearts of believers have no room for hatred.”

Singing “Let It Shine” during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Jan. 17, 2022, hosted by the African American Club of West Pasco.

To listen to the speeches via Youtube or for more information on the African American Club of West Pasco check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AfricanAmericanClubOfPascoFlorida. Check out the website here.