The fourth largest theater on Broadway, United Palace House of Inspiration, 4140 Broadway at 175th Street, opened its doors Friday, Sept. 30, for its third annual The Gathering UPHI, a multiday affair of creativity, connectivity and celebration to set the mind and spirit of our people free and “Reawaken Wonder.” That experience featured musical artists Valerie Boyd and Brenda Lee Eager and community leader the Rev. Al Sharpton, who came together to share their individual gifts to inspire, empower and uplift our community.
Connecting with one another in a positive way is ideal, UPHI’s Gilbert James said, noting that, “Valerie Boyd did just that when she comforted and brought the audience together with her magnetic voice and one of her down home Southern performances of ‘Come on in the Room.’ As the crowd swooned and clapped, you could feel the connection, especially when Boyd sang a rendition from Mahalia Jackson.”
Boyd said, “When we gather through the power of song, spirituality and expression, there’s going to be healing and transformation.”
Saturday, UPHI congregational members, friends and family boarded the Spirit of New York yacht for an all-you-can-eat luncheon cruise and entertainment by soul singer Brenda Lee Eager. Eager, a noted singer, songwriter and musical theater performer who has written and performed several hits, including “Ain’t Understanding Mellow,” “Close to You,” and “Somebody’s Somebody,” got “raw, creating a festive space, and letting it all hang down,” according to James. With support from Tim McAFee and the UPHI house band and choir, Eager “thrilled the sea voyagers with smooth songs and those that made you just want to get up and dance.”
The inspirational performer declared, “It is the duty of the artist to uplift the consciousness of people.”
Culminating the weekend of events, James said that Sunday, Sharpton “mesmerized the congregation with an inspiring message of Reawaken Wonder.”
Sharpton said, “There are those whom know truth and are virtuous but need to be reawaken, and then there are those who just need to awaken.” His message of truth, he said, “was rooted in the teachings of Rev. Ike’s ministry.” He also warned, “If you allow the world mind to marginalize you, limit you and make you believe that you are not worthy of being the good you desire, then you miss the intention of God in you.”
Xavier Eikerenkoetter, spiritual director of UPHI and Annette Eikerenkoetter, overseer, in a spirit of celebration, awarded Sharpton the Amilia Boynton Robinson Keeper of the Flame Award for outstanding community service, for activism and for being a trumpet for human dignity. In addition, UPHI celebrated Sharpton’s 62nd birthday and UPHI’s 47th.
