Community comradery; 21st Martin Luther King Celebration

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

It was a terrible night. It was cold, rainy, and windy. I had some problems finding Global Kingdom Ministries, so I will be honest I was miserable. When I arrived and finally got in out of the cold, everything changed.

I had decided to attend the 21^st Martin Luther King Celebration organized by the beautiful Pauline Christian, and what an event it was. When I arrived, a room full of vendors all there to support the event greeted me. I wanted to check out what they had, but I could hear music coming from the auditorium, so I headed in to check out what was going on.

Pauline had a pretty good turnout despite the weather. You could tell that over the years she had garnered the support from the community, and this is why even though the weather was horrible, people still came out to support her. On the stage was Pauline with her granddaughter Yanaijah Christian-Foster. This young lady was quoting Dr. Martin Luther King, and she was doing so with fortitude beyond her age. Now seven years old, you would never suspect that she was born 1lb 5 ounces with 40% chance of remaining alive. It just goes to show that anything is possible if you believe.

I made my way to the front, and noticed that some members of Parliament were there to also support this amazing event. I saw the Hon. Ahmed Hussein, MP, the Hon. Mitzie Hunter (MPP Liberal); Dr. Jill Andrew (MPP, NDP), Chief Mark Saunders (TRP), and I was told that the Hon. Doug Ford (Premier of Ontario), and Mayor John Tory had also made an appearance. It was amazing to see that these members of Parliament had made it out to show support.

I was looking forward to hearing the headliners Dale Brown & the Truth, and they didn’t disappoint. Gospel Music has become known to have an influence on the soul. This cannot be overstated. Dale Brown & the Truth reminded me of something; that there is a higher power at work. Their songs had the people on their feet with their hands in the air. For a brief moment, I became self-aware and more connected spiritually. They were truly a delight to watch and hear.

Their performance was followed by a well-delivered keynote address given by not other than Dr. Leslie Pollard, President of Oakwood University, Alabama. Dr. Leslie Pollard remains a productive and engaged scholar. He is the editor and contributing author to “Embracing Diversity, How to Reach People of all Cultures.” Dr. Pollard also contributes his writing to the Adventist Review, Ministry, and Message Magazines. His address was moving and had people agreeing with “Amen,” and “Yes.”

Sponsorship is (and continues to be) an effective way of boosting the visibility of a brand and the event had some well-known sponsors who came out to support Pauline. These sponsors include: G98.7, 1^st Fridays, By Blacks, Xploration French Camp, Prestige Realty Management, AFROGLOBAL TELEVISION, Comfortable Retirement Living, Best Lifestyle Residence, Denos Plumbing, Oakwood University, bbpa, Educational Foundation for Children’s Care Canada, TD Bank, and Sterling Dental to name a few.

I took some time to walk around to speak to some of the vendors. I was curious as to what had brought them out (despite the nasty weather), and why they found it important to support this event.

“She reached out to me, so I thought, yes. Let me come and check it out. It’s been great. It is a wonderful networking opportunity.”  Warren Salmon

“I came by chance. I was looking for where to go, and I believe the spirit of God directed me here, and when I came here, I found out that they were having an event, so here I am. I think it is a beautiful event. Well planned. Seven Day Adventist go out of their way to do stuff, and I always love their events. They are very holistic in their approach.They make black look good in every way. I have been to their schools, I have met their students. They are amazing. I will always support them if I can.”  Ngozi Elizabeth Mbonu

“One of my friends actually sent me the flyer. I always thought it was in February. I called up my girlfriend and said, ‘Hey we have an event we have to go to.’ Everyone loves it.”   Nisha Designs

“The reason I am here, and the reason that I come annually is because unlike other events, even though they are celebrating black history, this has a communal feel about it. Most people here are from the Seven Day Adventist Church, and even though I am not, I sense the comradery and support that Pauline gets every year, and I can’t help but step up to the plate and provide that support.”  Robert Small

“My business name is Glamour for Less, and what I do is all natural beauty products starting from head to toe. The event has been good. I have had a lot of interest at my table, so I was happy for that.” Lisa Forde

After I had made my rounds and bought a few items, I ordered some ackee and salt fish (Yum), and headed home. What a great night! I am glad that I made the trip.