A Dream Fulfilled; The 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Celebration Connects the Nation

The time has come for an introspective look at ourselves. To ask; what are we going to do about the change we so desperately seek? What are we doing for others? The time is now! If not us, then who? If not now; then when? Pauline Christian

TKJ productions, and the team behind the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Celebration, must be dutifully applauded for the amazing virtual event that was accomplished on Saturday, January 16th, 2020.

Over 4000 people attended the celebration this year, and were introduced to a novel virtual experience. Themed, “The Dream Connects Communities in Unprecedented Times,” (#MLKConnexUs), the event was a visually engaging production that although providing viewers with entertaining elements, the focus was on having viewers take an introspective and retrospective look at themselves to determine if they truly connected in their communities.

The debonair, and world-renowned Kerry Lee Crawford was the host for the evening, and he led viewers through an experiential experience that has not been undertaken during this time of virtual events, and productions.

The backdrop was a street, just like one you would see in your communities. The street had: construction, detours, stoplights, potholes, and yield signs, all very symbolic of the journey that many of us take in our lives. It allowed the audience to personally connect to the virtual experience, and reflect on the progress we have made, and the glaring gaps that need to be attended to.

The goal? To build well needed connections in our communities, and to connect dreams and aspirations of past times to the present. What was evident in the production, was that we, as a people, have made positive strides, but we must remain mindful of the realities that there is still much to do. These symbolic “potholes” will not just go away. It is evident that there needs to be a push from all community members, and by all levels of government to take an active role in strengthening the community, because at the end of the day, we are all on this road together.

Pauline Christian has always been a visionary, and continues to have the strong support of businesses, political leaders, and organizations across the GTA. This years sponsors included: TD Bank, AFROGLOBAL, Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada, Blacks Inspires, GMS Chartered Professional Accountants, Guy Steer, Denos Plumbing, Comfortable Retirement Living, TKJ Productions, Exploration French Camp, Best Lifestyle Residence, and many more outstanding organizations who still believe in the dream.
The production team did an exceptional job of executing Pauline’s aspirations for the celebration. They found an excellent way to introduce performers, and still keep viewers focused on the message.

This year we were blessed to have a creative group of individuals showcase their talents, motivating us to connect to the overall experience. It began with the sensational singing of the national anthems by the CAA School Choir, under the leadership of Dale Brown.

Nothing begins without prayer, and they had two of Toronto’s top gospel vocalists Michelle Adams, and Norwill Simmonds begin with thanking God for the night’s blessings.

Viewers heard messages of community, and change from the York Region Chief of Police, Jim MacSween, MPP Mitzi Hunter, and Mayor John Tory. There was a little bit of hip-hop, some rhythmic dance by The Toronto Dance Theatre, musical renditions from the Oakwood Choir, and Natareo Johnson, as well as some motivation from the younger generation, the beautiful YanaiJah Christian-Foster.

Dr. Charles McVety delivered a powerful address on the fact that although many of us are aware of Dr. Martin Luther King’s principles; many of us have drifted away from them. It was a powerful reminder for viewers to introspect on how they are living their lives.

After a fantastic finale from Dale Brown, the woman behind the magical night, Pauline Christian, told all viewers to pat themselves on the back; we had found a way to come together, recognizing that we could not have come this far alone. As she stood there, a radiant beauty with her signature curly updo, and shimmery off the shoulder accoutrement, you could tell she was proud, and she had every right to be.

You can still go to MLKCONNEXUS on Facebook, and watch the entire event from start to finish. It was a great reminder that if we stay together, we are stronger. Together, we can achieve more.