In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., more than 800 members of the community came together to celebrate his legacy and raise scholarship funds for local students through the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee under the direction of Board President Cinthia Becton and Executive Director Edith C. Bush.
The event, now in its 34th year, was held Monday, Jan. 19 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Presiding over the event as the master of ceremonies was State Rep. Bobby Powell Jr. (D-District 88). Local politicians and dignitaries in attendance included West Palm Beach City Commissioner Keith James, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-District 22), Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-District 18), Congressman Ted Deutch (D-District 21), Palm Beach County Mayor Shelley Vana, West Palm Beach Mayor Jeri Muoio and Riviera Beach Mayor Thomas Masters.
Brenda Braxton, currently starring in The Wiz at the Maltz Theatre, sang “If You Believe,” followed by featured speaker Elvin J. Dowling. Annie Ruth Harrison-Nelson of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee honored local students and presented awards for poetry, writing, photography, art and oratory.
Wellington resident and high school junior Talia Fradkin received an award for first place in the poetry competition. Each student’s entry reflected this year’s theme: “Pursue a positive dream, believe it, achieve it.”
“Dr. King’s message is truly timeless and still inspires students today,” Fradkin said.
Executive Director Edith C. Bush recognized and thanked members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee for their help throughout the year and in making this event a success.
ABOVE: Annie Ruth Harrison-Nelson of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Coordinating Committee with Breanna Moore, Inlet Grove High School 12th grader, the honorable mention recipient in the essay category; Everald McFarlane, Inlet Grove High School 11th grader, first-place winner in art; Wellington resident Talia Fradkin, Palm Beach Virtual School 11th grader, first place in poetry; and Ronsah Narcisse, Inlet Grove High School ninth grader, honorable mention in the essay category.
