Story and photos by Cheri Tishman
“Celebrating 25 Years: Symphony of Dreams” was the theme for the Silver Anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration this year.
The MLK Luncheon kicked off the celebration at the Heron Bay Marriott Hotel, January 16. The audience was composed of members from the city of Coral Springs MLK committee, the Lynx, various county and state dignitaries as well as MLK scholarship winner Eliette Casimir and keynote speaker Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.
Ms. Casimir spoke about what the MLK Scholarship meant to her. She said “connections” are very important. She went on to say that without having connected with Dr. Bessie Cristwell, MLK Scholarship Chair, she would not have had the opportunity to apply for the scholarship and go to college to study education.
Dr. Artis stressed the importance of continuing the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King. Dr. Artis is a well respected community activist and is currently the first woman president of Florida Memorial University.
The entertainment for the luncheon included 7-year-old twin violinists Victoria and Alexander Uwechue, who played the National Anthem and “Ode to Joy.” The guests also enjoyed a performance by the Calvary Church dancers who did a few routines of tap and ballet.
Also on the agenda for entertainment were the Maplewood Elementary 1st grade dancers under the direction of Ms. Donna Chiarelli. However, Ms. Chiarelli took the stage and announced that she couldn’t find her students. Just then, the Terrell Williams’ “Happy” song started playing and the 1st grade students did a flash mob-style dance. The students showcased how music and dance can bring about a cultural oneness.
The MLK celebration continued that evening with a meet and greet and special concert by The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards.
