The Baptist Ministers Conference of Greater New York organized “Honoring the dream: We’re still standing,” its 57th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, on Martin Luther King Day at the Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem. The event began with musical selections, including “Lift Him Up.” Planning for this year’s event began in February of last year and is considered their biggest event annually.
“We gather to commemorate the life and legacy of perhaps the greatest advocate for equality and justice for all of humanity,” said Rev. Dr. James Arthur Kilgore, president of the Baptist Ministers Conference.
There was discourse in the church over whether invited politicians should attend at the church to celebrate the life and legacy of Doctor King or in Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump’s inauguration. Community leaders and politicians in attendance at the event included New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Congressmember Adriano Espaillat, District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Borough President Mark Levine, Council Member Yuseef Salaam, and more.
Related: Running through history in Harlem for MLK Day
Hochul reflected on growing up with liberal parents who admired King’s peace efforts and civil rights work, and on the loss her family felt after the assassination of King, which she termed a significant memory and trailblazing moment for her and the entire community at large. “I took note that the name of this conference is honoring the dream: ‘We’re still standing.’ I say we’re not still standing — we’re still marching.”
In the words of Rev. Dr. Janie Pollard, “It compels us to come to a sacred space to celebrate, to remember, to praise, and to give thanks that a man I once called a prophet was sent by God to challenge the heart of a nation.”
When asked about King’s legacy, Espaillat responded, “It’s a legacy that has withstood and will withstand time.” In response to a follow-up question regarding some of the changes he would like to see in Harlem, Espaillat said, “ I think that people are hurting, that the cost of living is very high and the rent, in particular, is too high … that’s displacing a lot of people in Harlem. I want to see more affordable housing being built there.”
Financial freedom isn’t just for a select few—it’s for anyone willing to try something different. I went from worrying about bills to earning $16,590 per month, and it all started with one decision. If you’re ready for a change, the opportunity is already here waiting for you ..
Copy and put it any browser Bar….> midly%2Ein/hfpJNF