The 41st annual Awards & Benefit Luncheon, hosted by the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc., took place last week at the Sheraton Downtown Philadelphia Hotel. The event, emceed by Aziza Shuler, CBS3 News Anchor, saw the presence of distinguished individuals, including Senator Bob Casey, Senator Shariff Street, Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall Blake, president of Independence Blue Cross Foundation and Sherri Darden of Scoop USA.
The Jubilee Bell Ringers and Pine Forge Academy Choir kicked off the program. Dr. Evelyn Partridge, the Mistress of Ceremonies from Philadelphia MLK, officially initiated the proceedings with the soulful rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by the Pine Forge Choir. Tribute remarks from community and political leaders added to the inspiration and empowerment felt throughout the luncheon.
Joye Nottage, the Executive Director, presented awards to well-deserving recipients. Daniel & Esther Sawyer of Neighborhood Crusades received recognition for Community & Spiritual Activism, while the C. Delores Tucker Volunteer Award went to Melody L. Simmons, Rubin Johnson, and Allan Anderson.
Dr. William Tucker, President & CEO of Philadelphia MLK, highlighted the need for black professionals to showcase their collective strengths, countering the prevalent negative narratives in the media. He underscored the importance of voting in the upcoming election to ensure core values are central to the political agenda.
The luncheon concluded with a collective rendition of “We Shall Overcome” by Rachel Merrill (Jubilee Music Enrichment) and a benediction by Pastor Tony Hart (Montco Bible Fellowship). The Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc. remains dedicated to its year-round efforts, including youth mentoring programs, distribution of food, diapers, and toiletries, as well as its coat drive.
For more information, visit philadelphiamlk.org or call 215-751-9300. Stay connected on social media: Facebook – Supreme Gospel Ent. and Sherri Y. Johnson | Instagram/TikTok – @sherrisupremegospel. Until the next column, stay encouraged!
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