There
is going to be so much history made today - in addition to the
history that's already been made, that it will be overwhelming and hard
to fully process - but at least, this time, for the first time in four
years, it will be positive, empowering, uplifting, jubilant history.
HOWARD UNIV WILL BE A PART OF THE INAUGURATION
Howard University’s Drumline To Escort Joe Biden, Kamala Harris After Historic Inauguration
Howard
Universityalumni and students who were likely disappointed that the famousHBCU‘s
annual homecoming festivities were canceled last fall, it looks like they’re getting a second chance at it onInauguration
Dayon Wednesday.
That’s when one of its own,Kamala
Harris, will officially be sworn into office and become the
first Black woman to be Vice President of the United States. Harris—who
studied political science and economics—graduated from Howard in 1986.
But Wednesday is also when the Howard University drumline will escort her and soon-to-be PresidentJoe
Bidento the White House as part of the
historic event’s virtual “Parade Across America,” which is substituting
for the traditional march down Pennsylvania Avenue that can’t be held
this year because ofcoronaviruspandemic
social distancing guidelines.
Howard’s inclusion was announced Monday morning.
Howard’s drumline — another term for the group of percussionists in a
marching band — will be joined by one from the University of Delaware,
Biden’s alma mater.
Both drumlines will be a part of a larger virtual procession that will
include representation from all branches of the U.S. armed forces, such
as the U.S. Army Band, a Joint Service Honor Guard and the
Commander-in-Chief’s Guard and Fife and Drum Corps from
the 3rd U.S. Infantry “The Old Guard,”according
to USA TODAY.
Aside from Howard’s drumline from its “Showtime” marching band, the
“Parade Across America” will have some extra added flavor with Earth
Wind & Fire, Nile Rodgers and singer and actress Andra Day.
Howard’s pride in Harris is not a secret.
Back when she and Biden’s election was confirmed, Howard University PresidentWayne
A. I. Frederickpenned a powerful statement about Harris’
dedication to civic leadership and her relentless fight to advocate for
underrepresented and underserved groups.
“A new dawn has broken in America,” Frederick wrote back in early
November. “Senator Kamala Harris has swung her Howard hammer and
shattered the proverbial glass ceiling into pieces that will not be put
back together. As the new Vice President-elect, we know
she will continue advancing her vision of a nation where all people –
regardless of race, creed, gender, background, or ethnicity – have
access to equitable opportunities to grow and succeed. At a time when
the Black community is coping with the disproportionate
social and economic impacts of COVID-19, a global reckoning with
systemic racism, and the loss of some of our cultural and social icons,
we are proud to call Howard University alumna Kamala Harris a monumental
catalyst for collective joy and positive change.”
Monday also marked the day that Harris will resign her seat, moving her
one step closer to realizing her historic installment of the first Black
vice president of the United States of America.###
Earlier today, Mitch McConnell finally admitted publicly that T-rump had committed crimes against the US.
With that no longer hanging over the head of the congress, America can rejoice that there is some possibility of healing.
While the inauguration will be virtual, it will still be a proud moment for those of us here in the US who actually did the right thing and voted T-rump out and Biden/Harris in. We can now turn to healing the gaping wounds left by the rapacious regime ushered in by a megalomaniac posing as president.
Black women are wearing pearls in honor of Kamala Harris - and will be dressed as though we were literally at the inauguration.
While the ersatz president is skulking off to Mar A Lago, we will be joyously watching him getting into the helicopter and taking his stench with him. The only thing that would make us even happier than Biden's swearing, would be to see T-rump being led away in handcuffs to be incarcerated along with the others who fanned the flames of racism, riots and sedition - proving that no one is above the law.
I want to congratulate us all in the US who got out and voted - Thanks to you - to us all - WE WON - so now - LET THE HEALING BEGIN, and as President-Elect Biden and President-Elect Harris take the oath of office tomorrow, we have to pledge to never again allow ourselves or this country to ever again become so negligent and blind to tyranny and violation of ethics, our rights or the rights of humanity. We must pledge to not be so fascinated by phony monsters on TV that we miss out on the fact that there are monsters right in our midst. And finally, let's make this country into the ideals it pretends to stand for!!
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Hello All: Friday, August 28 marks the March on Washington 2020. The first march was 57 years ago in Washington DC - and was considered a bold move on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s part, during a time when we were still under Jim Crow, segregation, sit-ins, being arrested for demonstrations, fighting for the right to vote, equal employment, education, and opportunity.
Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III make plans for the March on Washington 2020
Here we are in 2020, preparing to march on Washington again - and, in many ways, we are still dealing with many of the same issues - however, in many ways more heinous and threatening that before. We got the right to vote, and in the past 7 years the subprime court has eviserated it. We have integration to the peril of Black owned businesses and operated businesses and institutions. We have integrated schools that are now substandard and under funded. But the most egregious situation is that we have a miscreant in the white house hell bent on destroying America with the possible exception of those who agree with or turn a blind eye to his abuse of power, trickery, lies and deceit. Black people are gathering from all over the United States, donning their face masks, maintaining social distance, but demanding their rights be heard and respected. BUSES FROM PHILADELPHIA - RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE BY CLICKING ON THIS LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/march-on-washington-tickets-109183601090 Speakers will begin to address the audience at 11 a.m. Friday, but the
crowd is expected to begin gathering at the Lincoln Memorial and around
the Reflecting Pool about 7 a.m.
FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW: https://www.bet.com/news/national/2020/08/25/bet-special-march-for-action-al-sharpton.html https://nationalactionnetwork.net/newnews/ oprah-winfrey-hosts-own-spotlight-culture-connection-august-28th-with-ava-duvernay-rev-al-sharpton-featuring-discussions-around-this-moment-in-history-the-importance-of-votin/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2020/08/25/march-on-washington-rally/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/magazine/2020/08/17/al-sharpton-martin-luther-king-iii-national-civil-rights-march/?arc404=true
This
may be one of the most significant pre-election rallies ever - but
don't just go for the historical value - make sure you take voter
registration forms; make sure you have petitions for the postmonster
general who is trying to destroy our postal system; make sure you
connect with brothers and sisters from some place you've never been. We
are in this together. We will win!!
This week is the week of the Congressional Black Caucus - and for those of you who plan to attend, want to attend, or usually attend, but haven't gotten your accommodations, I'm posting this opportunity. It's first come first served, so move quickly - and let's get together in DC.
Event registration is by invitation only. Register with your email address to attend this event.
On Sun, Sep 11, 2016 at 6:56 PM, Gloria Dulan-Wilson <gloriadulanwilson@gmail.com> wrote: If you're planning to attend the Congressional Black Caucus, but have either not already gotten your hotel accommodations, or would rather utilize your funds for other means, we have a great bargain in a wonderful space just two minutes from away. It includes transportation to and from the Walter E Washington Convention Center. RESPOND VIA THIS EVENTBRITE INVITE
You are invited to reside at this beautiful apartment in MD, minutes away from DC and 1 block from the DC Metro. Off street parking is available at no charge.
Congressional Black Caucus Week Special
Hello,
You have been selected to reside in this elegant apartment minutes from downtown DC to take in the Congressional Black Caucus' last Annual Legislative Convention, during the tenure of Obama's reign as president. This
House Rules
Check-in is after 4PM
Guests are responsible for reading the complete room description prior to making the reservation
Rules:
1- Absolutely no smoking indoors (you can smoke outside in the balcony, but make sure to close the Balcony door)
2 - This house is not a party house, and will not be treated as such.
3- For the security of everybody in the house, do not bring friends unannounced and only for the amount you are requesting.
4- Respect other people's sleep. After 10 PM no loud conversations in common rooms.
5- Please clean after yourself if you use the kitchen and only use kitchen for light cooking.
6 - No Drugs
7- Take off your shoes inside the apartment to protect the carpet.
8- Please respect other people's personal property.
9- Do not download any illegal movies or websites while using the Wi-Fi.
10- If you lose the house key or key card, there is a $50 replacement fee.
11- Always lock the door when you leave.
12- Do not leave Balcony door open.
13- No pets.
14-Do not leave your luggage in living room or dinning room. Please use the closet in your room for storage.
15- Late check-out: $75
16- Do not move furniture around.
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Hello All: Well I started out to do a calendar of events for January and February - two of the most intensive months for the celebration of Black culture and the coming together of political entities. It seemed simple enough - I would feature New York, Philidalphia, New Jersey, and DC - and parallel them by dates. Everything appeared to be going smoothly until I came to the Martin Luther King Day Celebration, which is always a major event for Black Americans. However, Philadelphia's celebration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was so comprehensive, multifaceted, and magnificent, I almost had to give it it's own site. So many things are happening even as I write this, that I included the link so that you can select from the many culturally rich events they've planned. Additionally, there are local organizations that have also planned commemorative programs in honor of Dr. King, that you might want to check some of the local publications to see what else is on the calendar.
REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
it would also be a great idea to re-read Dr. King's biography. As adults, there are many facets of Dr.King that we'll understand better than we did when we read about him as children. At an rate, no matter where you are, or are traveling to - there is absolutely no reason to miss being a part of the commemoration of a wonderful brother and visionary who gave his life in trying to help Black people world wide break the chains of white delusions of supremacy off our minds, backs, and lives. It is hoped that it will inspire those of us who have been the beneficiaries of his actions to stand and begin to unite and move forward - And while you're honoring King honor the other Mighty Men and Women of Valor: Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Medgar Evers, Shirley Chisholm, Frances Cress Welsing, John Henrik Clarke, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. Dorothy I. Height, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Dr. Ben, Amiri Baraka, Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Toure), Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Nyerere, Dr. Leon Sullivan, Dr. Ed Robinson, Muamar Khadaffi, Elombe Brath, Gil Noble and so many more of our contemporaries - they're all up there together with the Ancestor/Angels observing where we are are now, and whether we're on point, or off course. We've come a long way, but we've still got a lot to do before we can really count it all good. Commemorating and showing our appreciation to Dr. King is but one of the essential things we need to do to empower ourselves individually and collectively - I've given you plenty to choose from. Bring your children and their friends - make it a day of family and of learning and sharing. Enjoy and
Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Martin Luther King Jr.
weekday and weekend 2016 Events
philadelphia
There is something for everyone - so let me just highlight one that I think all should be aware of, and that is the MLK Volunteer Weekend and the MLK Volunteer Day, which takes place throughout the City, but most notably on Monday, January 18 at Gerard College.
From health care, to voter registration, clothing distribution, and other acts of kindness, thousands of Philadelphians come together to help those who are less fortunate - including the Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Honor the legacy of Dr. King during the country’s largest Day of Service Every year, Philadelphia honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day for giving back. Now
in its 21st year, the Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day of Service on January 18 is the largest MLK Day event in the
country. More than 135,000 volunteers of all ages participated in over
1,000 service projects in 2015, and this year is expected to be bigger
than ever - this is followed by a free concert in Dr. Kings Honor.
Click on the link for the full day of activities in Honor of Dr. King; also check local organizations in the area for additional celebrations of Dr. King. http://www.visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service-events-in-philadelphia/
The long weekend of January 15-18 (which includes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) is the perfect time to book the brand new January Getaway — Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package.
MLK Day Events and Festivities Volunteer and Service Project Opportunities on MLK Day
Choose from thousands of volunteer opportunities on MLK Day taking part across the city.
What better way to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. than to join in the community and lend a hand in a service project. There is certainly no shortage of ways to do so with over 1,000 volunteer opportunities to choose from at organizations such as the Awbury Arboretum, Unitarian Society of Germantown, United Way, and more. Browse all service and volunteer projects on the official MLK Day of Service page.
For decades, The Philadelphia Orchestra has gathered on MLK Day to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and unify the community through the power of music. (J. Griffin for Visit Philadelphia)
A Weekend-Long Celebration at the African American Museum in Philadelphia (January 12- 18)
The African American Museum brings a weekend-long itinerary of celebratory events to the Chinatown neighborhood of Philadelphia. (M. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
New this year, the African American Museum will expand its annual MLK Day festivities to encompass the entire weekend, with a free young professionals’ mixer and panel discussion to kick things off on Friday. On Saturday through Monday, patrons can visit the museum for a reduced admission rate of $2 per person and participate in a variety of family-friendly activities to be held throughout the weekend. The museum will be open during normal hours of operation as well as from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
MLK Day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art: Bring out your artistic side to celebrate the birthday of Dr. King at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Dates: January 18, 2016 The Philadelphia Museum of Art is celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with a day full of family-friendly craft-making opportunities. Family tours, performances and other activities will also be ongoing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
More on MLK Day at the Philadelphia Museum of Art Day of Service at the National Constitution Center
Enjoy reduced admission along with an array of tributary events to Martin Luther King, Jr. at the National Constitution Center. (D. Cruz for Visit Philadelphia)
Dates: January 15-18, 2016. The National Constitution Center will honor Martin Luther King Jr. with a day-long commemoration on Monday, January 18. Throughout the day, enjoy $5 admission to the museum and access to special service projects, performances, educational programs and activities, including readings of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. The celebration is part of the National Constitution Center's series of Macy’s Family Days at the Constitution Center, courtesy of The Macy’s Foundation.
More on the Day of Service at the National Constitution Center Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend at Eastern State Penitentiary
The penitentiary will light up the Fairmount neighborhood with readings from Dr. King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail." (R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia)
Dates: January 16-18, 2016 Eastern State Penitentiary honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with special readings of King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail" during the holiday weekend. Listen to excerpts read from Dr. King's letter three times a day on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Children ages 7-12 can create artwork in response to the letter from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. each day. The events are free and open to the public. Free tickets are available online or at the door subject to availability.
MLK Family Day at the National Museum of American Jewish History: The National Museum of Jewish History will offer free admission on Monday, January 18 and kid-friendly programming on Dr. King. (G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia)
Admission to the National Museum of Jewish History will be free all day as the museum commemorates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Enjoy multiple storytelling sessions and craft-making geared toward younger kids. There will also be an ongoing screening of the PBS documentary series Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Movement.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the National Liberty Museum: The National Liberty Museum offers an opportunity to view the Liberty Bell and also participate in interactive events in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. The National Liberty Museum will celebrate Martin Luther King Day with pay-what-you-wish museum admission and a variety of themed events all day long on Monday, January 18. Beginning at 10 a.m., check out the museum’s exhibitions through a self-guided tour or with a custom-made scavenger hunt that walks you through Civil Rights-related education present in the exhibitions. After touring the museum, guests can sign up for educational workshops and children can create their own I Have a Dream speech with the help of museum staff members. (Those interested in the educational workshops must sign up in advance.) Youngsters are invited to make a themed craft throughout the day, too. Inspired by the city’s Mural Arts Program, which features murals where MLK is the subject, children can create an illustration featuring their favorite hero.
January 12-18, 2016 Complimentary to the hands-on learning environment at the Please Touch Museum, the museum will feature a weekend long celebration of interactive community events to honor Martin Luther King’s birthday. Visitors can sit in on storytelling inspired by Dr. King’s legacy, craft cards and quilts to be sent to a local children’s hospital and resident center, and join discussions centered around community service, aspirations and dreams. A Hip Hop Fundamentals workshop will also take place at both noon and 2 p.m. each day throughout the weekend designed to get the audience moving as well as to educate about the rich and youth-inspiring history of the dance form. All activities are free with admission.
January 18, 2016 Woodmere Art Museum MLK Day Family Festival
Lively storytelling, art-making and break-dance performing are all part of the Woodmere Art Museum's afternoon of family fun in celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Visit the museum from noon to 4 p.m. to join in on the multiple interactive education sessions scheduled to take place.
NEW YORK CITY
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend 2016 Events
Brooklyn Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Courtesy, Brooklyn Academy of Music
A number of NYC institutions pay homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
and his message of racial equality with special events on the weekend of
January 15–18. In addition, places like the Studio Museum of Harlem, Weeksville Heritage Center and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture always have something to offer those interested in African-American history and culture, regardless of the time of year. January 14 Movement: A Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Greene Space
Culture, performance and civil rights come together in this series of
dance and musical works. Choreographer Nai Ni Chen and a cappella group
Diversity Youth Theater will be among the acts taking part. January 15–18 Whistle in Mississippi: The Lynching of Emmett Till at the Joseph Kennedy Community Center
Harlem-based Shades of Truth Theatre presents this dramatic rendering
of Emmett Till's story. Fourteen-year-old Chicago native Till was
visiting relatives in Mississippi when he caused a stir by talking to a
white woman in her shop. The woman's husband and his half brother
rousted Till in the middle of the night; abducted, beat and shot him;
and dropped him in a nearby river. The two men were acquitted of murder. January 16–17 Art and Civil Rights Gallery Tour at the Brooklyn Museum
Learn about social change through art on this tour of the Brooklyn
Museum's collection. On January 16 there's also a collage workshop where
you can put art and activism into action. January 17 BeBe Winans at Kupferberg Center for the Arts
Gospel singer BeBe Winans takes the stage for a special MLK tribute
concert; a speech by Reverend Floyd Flake, of the Greater Allen AME
Cathedral, will also be part of the proceedings. January 17 Civil Rights Then and Now: Black Power at 50 at the DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New-York Historical Society
The kids' museum within the New-York Historical Society will hold a
panel discussion that seeks to educate young ones (suggested ages, 9 and
up) about the long and difficult fight for racial equality. January 17 Race and Privilege: Exploring MLK's Two Americas at the Apollo Theater
WNYC talk show hosts Brian Lehrer and Jami Floyd will moderate a
discussion centering on institutional racism; others scheduled to appear
include journalists Jose Antonio Vargas and Taylor Branch and filmmaker
Rokhaya Diallo. Free January 18 Brooklyn Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. at Brooklyn Academy of Music
Artists, activists and civic leaders come together at BAM for the
City's largest event commemorating Dr. King. In addition to performances
by Kimberly Nichole and the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir, there
will be a screening of The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution and a book signing by Michael Eric Dyson. Free January 18 MLK Day at the Grace Reformed Church of Flatbush
The Prospect Lefferts Gardens Neighborhood Association, in conjunction
with Fort Greene's Greenlight Bookstore, puts on this family-friendly
day of music, dance, literature and craft making. Free
Cap the evening off with African Soul Makossa at Club Bonafide where they will be celebrating the heritage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his impact on the African Liberation Movement through music in his honor. 212 East 52nd Street, Two shows - 8:00PM and 10:00PM
NEW jersey
2016
MLK Day Events in New Jersey
Friday, January 15, 2016, @ 8:00 AM
YMCA of Newark 45th Annual Memorial Breakfast Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Robert Treat Hotel 50 Park Place, Newark NJ Website (for information and tickets)
Guest speaker: Rev. Tony
Jackson Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church. Take time from our busy schedule to remember and reflect on Dr.
King’s vision of a community and world of peace, love and
understanding.
Friday, January 15, 2016 at 8pm:
DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM
NJPAC’s Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Prudential Hall - Newark, New Jersey Tickets
This celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. pays tribute
to the life and legacy of one of the 20th century’s most
inspiring leaders. Performance by the Dance
Theatre of Harlem, the legendary ballet company founded in 1969 as an
artistic means to turn despair into hope following the assassination of
Dr. King.The guest speaker Rev. Dr Jerry M. Saunders, Senior Pastor of the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit.
Sunday, January 17, 2016; 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Event New Jersey State Museum, 205 West State Street - Trenton NJ Website - Event Details
This event is free and open to the public features a Commemorative Celebration of the 60th anniversary of
the Montgomery Bus Boycott. This annual event brings together a diverse
group of people to celebrate Dr. King’s life’s work and legacy. It also
allows New Jerseyans an opportunity to recommit themselves to
fulfilling Dr. King’s dreams in the 21st century.
Monday, January 18, 2016; Exhibition and seating begin at 1 p.m.
Annual Princeton University Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Richardson Auditorium, Alexander Hall, (Alexander Hall is located behind Nassau Presbyterian Church, opposite Palmer Square on Nassau Street Princeton University Princeton, NJ Website - Event Details
This event features a celebration of the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The event, is free and open to the public.
Monday, January 18, 2016, 8-10 a.m. 27th Annual YMCA Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast Branches Catering, 123 Monmouth Road - West Long Branch
Website
This event features guest speaker Elizabeth Williams-Riley President & CEO American Conference on Diversity. The memorial event will
include musical selections and the winner of an essay contest among YMCA
high school participants. High school students participating in
programs at The Community YMCA or the Western Monmouth County YMCA are
encouraged to enter the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. essay
contest.December 21, 2015
Monday, January 18, 2016 @9:30 a.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast @ Rowan University Eynon Ballroom, Chamberlain Student Center, 201 Mullica Hill Road
This year's keynote
speaker will be educator and humanitarian Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole in
honoring the life and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 18, 2016: 12:00-2:00pm Martin Luther King Jr. Dayat the Morris Museum
Morris Museum , 6 Normandy Heights Road - Morristown, New Jersey 07960 Website
This call to service features the
making of a symbolic "peace bus". Information about Martin Luther King
Jr. will also be available. Handouts and information about the life and
mission of Martin Luther King Jr. will be available. Appropriate for
children all ages.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Martin Luther King Day of Service at Rutgers–Camden
Rutgers -Camden t326 Penn St, Camden, NJ
Schedule & Registration
This event features a national call to service to celebrate
the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteers, families, and
community members come together to participate in a day of action, both
on the campus and in the community. Activities are open to students,
faculty, and staff of the university; their families; and children and
adults from across the City of Camden and the State of New Jersey.
Note: Parking Available in all lots except Lot 12
Monday, January 18, 2016
The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service At the Galloway, Hammonton, Manahawkin, Atlantic City & Woodbine
Locations Information & Registration
This year's Martin Luther King Day of Service will feature Stockton's 12th anniversary of celebrating Dr. King.; Stockton will be hosting the largest service day to date.
Monday, January 18, 2016; 8:30 am - noon Gloucester Township’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service 8:30 A.M. Registration and Continental Breakfast
Charles W. Lewis Middle School Gloucester Township, NJ Website
This event features Mayor David Mayer, Township Council, Gloucester
Township Public Schools, Friends and Neighbors joining in by
volunteering their time to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of helping others.
washington, dc & metro area
Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Weekend Events Jan 16-18, 2016 in Metro DC
Let Freedom Ring!, The Annual Walk for Peace, Wreath Laying, King in
Our Midst are a sampling of Metro DC events planned to Honor the legacy
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and detailed in this feature. SPONSORED BY
Hot Hits
Story Time in the ReSource Room for Pre-Schoolers and Adults National Archives Wed, January 13 Join the National Archives
Education team to enjoy stories, activities, and crafts about Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr in the Boeing Learning Center. This program is designed
especially for 3- to 5-year olds and accompanying adults.
Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Event Baird Auditorium, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History Fri, January 15 Help us celebrate the legacy of
Dr. King. The program includes a keynote address by Dr. Khalil Gibran
Muhammad, Director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black
Culture, New York, and an on-stage discussion on the theme of “Looking
Back, Moving Forward” with moderator Richard Reyes-Gavilan, executive
director of the D.C. Public Library system.
2016 MLK Tribute Event Wakefield High School Sun, January 17 Hosted by Jacquie Gales Webb
(WHUR), Arlington’s 47th annual tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
celebrates the live and legacy of Dr. King through inspirational music,
spoken word and dance performances.
Step Afrika!
Step Xplosion Strathmore Sun, January 17 The percussive dance troupe puts
on an electrifying show that unites music, dance, and storytelling to
put forward an often overlooked aspect of American history.
10th Annual MLK Peace Walk & Parade 2500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., SE Mon, January 18 Commemorating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Peace Walk begins at 11 am, Parade starts at noon.
RCC MLK Keynote Address & Community Lunch featuring Anna Deavere Smith CenterStage Mon, January 18 Anna Deavere Smith returns to
present an informed and inspired conversation that celebrates Dr. King’s
message and seeks to reconcile it in today’s context. The weekend
concludes with a community lunch to celebrate the diversity, progress,
and hope in our community.
martin luther king, jr. day parade Monday, January 18, 2016 at noon
The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is now accepting
applications for organizations interested in being a part of the 16th
annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The parade celebrates the life of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 18, 2016 at noon.
Eligible applicants include cheer and dance squads, college and high
school bands, community bands, equestrian groups, floats, honor/color
guards, military groups and civic/community organizations. Parade
participants are required to represent Dr. King’s message and legacy. The application can be found on www.promotionandarts.org.
The parade kicks off at the intersection of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Boulevard and Eutaw Street, proceeds south on Martin Luther King, Jr.
Boulevard and disbands at Baltimore Street.
The Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Parade continues to be an event for residents, visitors and
communities to gather in Baltimore to celebrate the life of one of
America's most influential civil rights, political and social icons. The
parade promotes collaboration as more than 50 organizations such as
community and high school bands, honor and color guards and local
chapters of sororities and fraternities come together to honor the
legacy of Dr. King.
For more information on the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, call 410-752-8632.
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Hello All: Gil Scott Heron was one of my favorite people on the planet. The fact that he was a Aries made it even better - because we were both Aries and could talk to each other in a language most other mortals didn't understand. Or at the very least, if we didn't exactly see eye to eye, neither of us were offended by it, because it's kind of the nature of Aries to always wanna be right and to be the first and the only - you get my drift.
GIL AND I CUTTING THE FOOL AS USUAL (2010)
Sometimes we'd think so far out the box, it would take the rest of the world a few light years to catch up with us; and then they wouldn't want to admit that we originated the concept. In that regard, Gil and I always gave each other props for our ideas - because we know people would be scratching their heads a long time just trying to deal with the audacity. Gil and I were classmates at Lincoln University (PA) together. They called him Spiderman because he was tall, lanky, all angles, elbows, knees, joints - like a spider. All gangly - the name suited him well. At Lincoln, nobody, but nobody, who was anybody was ever addressed by his or her real name - we all had RABBLE NAMES - appellations that more described who we were than what our parents may have envisioned. My Rabble Name was "Glo:" At the time Gil and I attended Lincoln University, I considered it a Black woman's paradise. I actually thought that God really must have loved me - to have had me kicked out of Hampton Institute for being too Black and militant, and recruited into Lincoln University for the same reason. But when I say a Black woman's paradise, I mean it - there were, in 1965, fifty years ago, when I first transferred there -- 600 male students in the all male, Black Princeton!! And I was blessed to have been one of the first 16 coeds to live on the campus in the dormitories. Imagine the ratio for a second - are you getting the picture? - it took a while for it to sink in with me as well. How did this happen? Well, actually that's another story for another time, because this post is about my brother/friend Gil Scott Heron. Needless to say with 600 males, you begin to separate the men from the boys, and once becoming accustomed, the creme always rises to the top, so to speak. Not that there were any slackers at Lincoln, Black in the day - it wasn't allowed. It was called the Black Princeton for a reason - it only admitted the top echelon in academics and creativity - witness Thurgood Marshall, Langston Hughes, Cab Calloway, Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamde Azikewe, and those are just the famous ones - Lincoln had a track record of turning Black males into Black men.
GIL AND ME CATCHING UP (2010)
Gil Scott Heron was already on a path of deciding what he wanted to do in life. He literally breathed it. But his mother wisely decided that he needed to go to college first. I met him via my best friend on campus, Maxine Stewart, because they shared a class together. The student union was the proving ground and rehearsal space for most of the student groups - whether it was steel drums, jazz, R&B, DooWop, you name it. But Gil's music was a totally different genre altogether. Not only were the lyrics words he's made up himself, but the rhythm - to us - seemed to be off kilter when compared to what we were used to at the time. Also, it always sounded as though Gil was searching for a note - and had difficulty landing on the right one. Of course we know it all (especially yours truly, because after all, I was a rising Junior, and he was a Freshman) reminded him that it was a good thing he was in college, because if he had to rely on his talent and his voice, he'd starve to death. This is all congenial however. For the most part we were tight friends - and we, Maxine and I, were concerned about his being sucked into Viet Nam if he didn't keep his grades up. There was definitely nothing to worry about in that department either. Gil Scott Heron was a genius. He was quick witted, a quick study and a fabulous talker. But then Lincoln attracted those kinds of geniuses - it was always a pleasure to sit on the quad and listen to the intellectual debates being carried forth by one visionary after another. Or the heated debates about racism and liberation in America . When Gil formed the Midnight Band, they first played at Mary Dodd Brown Chapel - a church named after Abraham Lincoln's widow - that stands to this day - it was erected in 1872. For the most part it was used as an auditorium, for vespers, church services, and for Talent Shows. The year the Brian Jackson and Gil Scott Heron formed their band, he had been rehearsing and composing for quite some time in between classes (sometimes during). When they first performed before us - their peers - we definitely weren't the most generous - but we had to admit that the lyrics were definitely on time with what was happening in the world. Of course we still didn't see it as an indication that Gil needed to drop out of school. It was a long debate that we would hold with him during lunch; after dinner; in between classes. And then, one holiday vacation, despite our wringing a promise from him; Gil Scott Heron withdrew from Lincoln to pursue his dream. That was early 1967. We were upset, of course - but we were also so glad he did. Had he listened to us, we would not have had the great body of work he has so endowed us with.
BROTHER FRIEND/ANCESTOR/ANGEL/ARTIST GIL SCOTT HERON
And you'd think that I would have learned from that to keep my cool when someone decides they want to pursue their dream, but no! When Randy Kane wanted to drop out pursue a singing career with his brother and cousin, what did yours truly say? "Hey Randy, you really need to get your degree - your dad's a judge, he's not going to be pleased." Thank goodness he didn't listen either - or we might not have had the Delphonics. By the way, I've gotten so much better than that now. I encourage everybody to pursue their dream - just don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. I graduated Lincoln U in 1967 - and didn't see Gil again until the 70's. I had been out of the country for a period of time, and when I returned all you could hear was this new genre of music - Gil Scott Heron, Osibisa, War, Earth Wind & Fire, Mandrill, Roy Ayers - things had changed drastically. Lyrics had much more content and relevancy and Gil was right up there with the rest of them. But it wasn't until my husband and I got together that I actually saw Gil again for the first time since he had left Lincoln. We were living in Harlem, on 111th Street and Riverside Drive. Lou wanted to bring this fantastic brother home to dinner because he knew I would really dig him since his work was so revolutionary. So I said "cool"! Of course in our family dinner didn't start until 11:00PM or 12:00AM - after all musicians don't keep the same hours as regular folks. So when they finally get to the apartment, I'm in the kitchen putting the finishing touches of the food. Lou comes to the kitchen to check out the food, and put some "cold ones" in the fridge. So when I follow him back to the living room - we had a 40 foot hallway, there's Gil standing there all angles and bones. Imagine the shock on both our faces when we see each other and give a big shout at the same time, with massive hugs. Then imagine the look of wtf on my husband's face as he's trying to figure out how I know Gil. When we explain that we were classmates at Lincoln University, it clears things up - and we sit down and talk about old times and what's been going on since last we saw each other. This is blowing Lou's mind - one because what are the chances of bringing home a friend and your wife knows more about them than you do; and of course, being a Scorpio, wondering whether or not there was anything more than just friendship between us - Scorps can't help themselves. But once he realized that we really were just friends - the rest of the evening went beautifully - in fact, until we moved to California, Gil would pass by after rehearsal or a show and pop in. Then we moved to California - don't know why, but I always marked that as the worst thing we could have possibly done. But there was this move to make the center of the music industry Hollywood - and the recording company was paying to relocate the group. Even though I tried to persuade Lou that I could just as easily commute back and forth and keep the apartment in New York for when they came East, he didn't hear it. So we pulled up all our roots and moved to LaLa Land. I guess everybody got the West Coast (I call it the Left Coast) bug at the same time because it looked as if half of the artists from New York City were all there. The group had a date to play at the Roxy in Hollywood - it was their premier show there - under United Artists. And who was the first person we ran into, Gil - he was playing at the Troubadour. It was like old home week. So they guys would guest pass each other for their shows - much to the annoyance of the management. And then Mandrill and Gil Scott Heron were booked together at the Roxy. I had already kind of had my own personal negative experience with California, which is why I didn't want to move; so I was more than aware of their curfews - clubs close at 2:00 in California; 4:00 in New York - and in California they start pulling drinks off the table 15 minutes to a half an hour before closing - paid for or not. By this time I'm a died-in-the-wool-New Yorker - and I see California as primitive and conservative - so I'm kind of attitudinal about the whole scene. Additionally, we have our own set up in the green room, but we can't bring them with us to the tables - so I went in a mode to really give the LaLa Land Left Coast people a piece of my New York Citygirl mind if anyone dared touch my drink before it was officially 2:00AM. The guest table we were seated at was in a special area where practically everybody could see who was seated there. It kind of dawned on me that this was a special seating arrangement. Then this beautiful African American sister comes to the table dripping in the most beautiful red fox fur you've ever seen - and I love fur coats - especially red fox. After she sits, I realize it's Brenda Sykes. My mind is going "Wow! that's BRENDA SYKES!! - THE BRENDA SYKES!! - THE BLACK MOVIE DIVA OF THE 70'S!! SUPER STAR BRENDA SYKES!!!" Yes, I admit that back then was somewhat star struck - After all I was in Hollywood - and newly initiated into the entertainment industry, it was really blowing my mind. First of all, I'm wondering why Brenda Sykes would come to the Roxy when there were so many more swank Hollywood upscale clubs she could go to - like the then happening New Yorker Club -- especially dressed in that gorgeous red fox coat. And because of my natural prejudice at the time against the consciousness level of Black actresses, I couldn't imagine who she was there to see. I couldn't see her being a fan of either Mandrill or Gil Scott Heron.
GIL AND BRENDA
So we exchange little pleasantries - I tell her how much I enjoy her acting. And realize that she's a positive, down to earth sister. When Gil comes on, she politely says, "Oh Gil's on, let's continue this after he finishes." And it hit me that she was actually there to see Gil as his guest! And my little mind says "Way to go Gil!!!" I was duly impressed with his good taste; and duly shocked that she was not like the other air head artists I had met; but was really about something and wanted to be with a brother who was about something as well. (By the way the waiter came for our drinks - and Brenda smiled and said "Do you mind, we're not quite finished yet" - he saw who she was and didn't bother us again - thus avoiding having me make my defiant speech - lol). Brenda and I got to be friends - and would do lunch or cocktails from time to time when the guys were on the road. She and Gil got married and had the most beautiful daughter - Gia - but there were some issues that were beginning to creep into his life that definitely took him off the path he originally envisioned for himself. And I daresay that most any Black group, black in the day had some form of problem with Drugs - some much more than others. It was insidious; and it's not an experience I intend to discuss here or anywhere else - except suffice it to say it dogged his life, as much as it did my husband for eons. Our children were raised watching Gil on TV - "It's
Nothing but a B Movie; The Nation's Capital, it's Washington DC,
listening to his work at home; and the times when he would pop in and he
and Lou would perform all kinds of songs together; or just crack jokes
and drink beer. He was definitely an inspiration to our handsome son,
One Sun Lion Ra (Rais Wilson). The bond and friendship between Gil and myself always remained tight; but between Gil and Lou - they were like brothers. They were kindred spirits. So whenever we were either home, or out, and were in the same city at the same time, we always got together. When Lou and I separated years later, he and Gil remained friends; and Gil and I continued being friends in New York City. Even with his bouts with incarceration - he and I would communicate on a limited basis - I was always concerned about his health because he had absolutely no meat on his bones. I told him one day: "You are making me worry about you - and I'm going to have to hurt you to make you stop hurting yourself!" He had begun turning grey and his neck looked even longer than it had when were in school. He had a gaunt look about him. He and Brenda had long since broken up; and he spent most of his time on the East Coast - he had a studio in East Harlem where he did most of his work - but I was on his case about not eating properly or getting enough rest. At the time I was writing for the Daily Challenge News: The City's Only Black Daily - and had done an in depth one-on-one interview with Gil. I was one of the few people who never criticized him - I could see he was already going through it, and the music was what kept him going. I was devastated when I heard about his being HIV positive. It seemed as if it was the cruelest possible thing that could happen to a brother who tried to wake Black people up - make them take a stand and do for themselves to be afflicted with this heinous disease.
L-R GIL, ME, KIRA, RAIS (ONE SUN LION RA) AT THE CARTER BARRON 2010
I had done a one-on-one
updated interview to add to the personality profile I had done on him
nearly fifteen years ago. I learned about his dad, the Mighty Gil - a great soccer player. He traveled to Scotland and other countries and was world reknowned. He told be about his son. And he told me that he was flattered that Lincoln still loved him considering that he didn't graduate. But I assured him, once a Lincoln man, always a Lincoln Man. - actually I said, "Boy, we own you. You're ours.!!!" He got a big kick out of that. His mother had made him go back and get a degree - she didn't want him to not be protected academically should anything happen to his career. We spent the whole day at the 112th street studio. He said he went there everyday like going to an office. Most of the people didn't know who he was because it was located in Spanish Harlem, so he basically came and went as he pleased without being harassed by fans. He played some of the new songs he was working on at the time, and talked a bit about turning the studio into a full time center so he could help some of the youth who wanted to write relevant material. We never discussed his illness, or medication - it just wasn't what I was there for. I was only concerned that he was doing well and I could see by his energy that he was. When I had finished the interview, and hanging out, he had indicated that he would be doing a gig at the Carter Barron in DC. So in October of 2010 my daughter Kira, son Rais and I went to surprise him and show up for the concert. He was blown away! He hadn't seen my kids since they were toddlers. Now my son was as tall as he was.
His show was brilliant - he had gotten more into the mode of telling the story behind the lyrics in order to give the audience more insight to his inner thoughts. He kept the audience engaged and entertained. The last time I saw Gil alive was in March 2011 at the Black Writers Conference - he performed along with Talib Kweli and some other artists. He looked as if he was in the picture of health. He was actually getting his color back, and muscling up somewhat. We laughed and joked and had a great time - in fact we hung long after the concert was completed. That was the last time I saw my brother friend. The next thing I remember in reference to Gil was when I heard was myself screaming when my daughter Kira called to break the news to me that Gil had died in England. It was like a nightmare - because I didn't know how to tell Lou - But of course, Lou, now much more spiritually grounded than I was, basically took it in good form -- I, on the other hand was devastated.
GIL SCOTT HERON - ANCESTOR/ANGEL/ARTIST FRIEND PBUH
The service for Gil was held at Riverside Church. His former wife, Brenda Sykes Scott-Heron was there and presided over the ceremonies. I hadn't seen her in 20 years - but she was still as beautiful and slim as ever. His daughter Gia did a beautiful piece in honor of her dad. Also at the service was Kanye West, who did one of Gil's original songs in his honor at Brenda's request. Gil, according to Brenda, always admired Kanye. George Clinton and several other artist/friends were also there. However, the service was held so soon after his passing that those who wanted to travel there to pay him homage didn't have sufficient time to prepare to be there. Brenda told us how she and Gil had decided that they were going to remarry and go forward with ther lives when he returned from his tour. They had never stopped loving each other, and were now going to start a new beginning. She mentioned the name of a book he had been reading (the name of it escapes me now), but it had to do with the inevitability of the way things play themselves out. And how important it was to not wait for things to be perfect but to move on them when they occur. Ironically, that takes me right back to who Gil was as an Aries - one who never waited for permission, convention, perfect timing, but moves when the impulse strikes - Except for just this one time - and that made all the difference in the world. I miss my brother/friend - but I know that he and his big brother/friend, my honey, Lou Wilson are keeping things pretty active up there among their fellow Ancestor/angel/artists. Gil's Birthday is April 1st - he always said he was the April Fool's joke played on his mom - and I would beg to differ with him. The best thing that happened to April 1 was the birth of my brother/friend Gil Scott-Heron.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO? Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson
