On January 20, the Central Family Life Center in Tompkinsville presented the second annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch, which was co-hosted by the Staten Island Black Heritage Family, which was established by Minnie Graham.
Community leaders, organizations, and notable visitors gathered at the event to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy and talk about future directions for advancement. Numerous organizations, including well-known sororities, churches, and neighborhood organizations devoted to social justice and empowerment, sponsored the brunch.
Bishop Dr. Calvin Rice, Senior Pastor of the New Jerusalem Worship Center in Jamaica, New York; Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon; Public Advocate Edwina Martin; and Debi Rose, a former member of the 49th District Council, were present.
The keynote presentation, given by Bishop Dr. Calvin Rice, focused on the relevance of the Sankofa spirit, a Ghanaian idea represented by a bird looking back while traveling forward. He clarified how this way of thinking emphasizes how crucial it is to comprehend and accept the past in order to direct future development.
Dr. Rice emphasized the need of remembering previous hardships to motivate present accomplishments and future advancements by drawing comparisons between the biblical account of Jacob and the experiences of Black Americans. He asked everyone in the community—young people in particular—to maintain their humility and gratitude for the sacrifices made by earlier generations.
The 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch was co-hosted by the Staten Island Black Heritage Family at the Central Family Life Center in Tompkinsville on January 20. Together with a number of community partners, the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women later that day planned an MLK Day of Service. The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, is the source of this information.
The Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women
Together with a number of community partners, the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women later that day planned a life-changing Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Under the direction of Program Planning Chair Marcia Allen, the event effectively provided necessary supplies to underprivileged individuals and families in spite of a snowstorm.
The significance of Dr. King’s mission to address both urgent neighborhood needs and push for systemic change was emphasized by Beth Coleman-Oliver, President of the National Council of Negro Women Staten Island Section.
She pointed out that Dr. King’s dedication to economic justice and helping underprivileged areas was evident in his leadership of the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” Coleman-Oliver remarked in response to Dr. King’s timeless message.
Both gatherings reaffirmed the group’s dedication to Dr. King’s vision while promoting fruitful conversations on social justice, equality, and togetherness.
The 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch was co-hosted by the Staten Island Black Heritage Family at the Central Family Life Center in Tompkinsville on January 20. Together with a number of community partners, the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women later that day planned an MLK Day of Service. The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, is the source of this information.
DISEMINATION OF ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES
In a dignified and compassionate manner, attendees were given food supplies, baby goods, toiletries, hats, gloves, scarves, blankets, games, toys, and other requirements. Numerous local groups and donors contributed to the occasion, including the Foundation for Dignity, which sent more than 40 blankets and comforters.
Additionally, bottled water from the Staten Island Community Alliance, hats, gloves, and baby supplies from the Staten Island Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and essential items from Amazon’s Truckload Giveaway program were donated.
Staten Island Borough Hall and District Attorney Michael McMahon donated coats, baby supplies, and other necessities, while Faith United Methodist Church kindly offered hot meals and event space.
With initiatives centered on social justice advocacy, healthcare equity, economic empowerment, youth development, and financial literacy, the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women continues to provide year-round community support.
Visit [email protected] to learn more or to participate.
The 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch was co-hosted by the Staten Island Black Heritage Family at the Central Family Life Center in Tompkinsville on January 20. Together with a number of community partners, the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women later that day planned an MLK Day of Service. The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, is the source of this information.
The 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch was co-hosted by the Staten Island Black Heritage Family at the Central Family Life Center in Tompkinsville on January 20. Together with a number of community partners, the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women later that day planned an MLK Day of Service. The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, is the source of this information.
The 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Day Leadership Brunch was co-hosted by the Staten Island Black Heritage Family at the Central Family Life Center in Tompkinsville on January 20. Together with a number of community partners, the Staten Island Section of the National Council of Negro Women later that day planned an MLK Day of Service. The National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island Section, is the source of this information.
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