Community Residents Embrace Free Mlk Concert Hosted By Their State Senator

Brooklyn, NY – In keeping with his mission to "Build Bridges And Unite Communities," State Senator Kevin Parker of the 21st Senate District in Brooklyn, hosted a free concert in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 16. Billed as "A Shared Dream," the event gave community residents an opportunity to celebrate the live and legacy of the late Civil Rights champion.

Patrons who attended this year’s calendar event at the Walt Whitman auditorium at Brooklyn College were refreshed and energized with words, music and dance movement. The concert which attracted close to 2,000 people is fast becoming as one of the more popular Martin Luther King Day celebrations in the City.

Senator Parker is a passionate advocate of the MLK dream and legacy and it has been his vision since taking office in 2002, to commemorate his birthday with an event that builds on that legacy. The event is also part of the Senator’s effort to continue enriching the lives of his constituents and instilling the importance of Dr. King and his message. The 21st Senate District is a manifestation that message. It comprises people from varied ethnic and religious backgrounds who are interested in working together for community empowerment.

In his presentation Senator Parker said: "We must commit now to ensure that Dr. King's memory never becomes static. We must fight that inherent danger that time may unfairly judge him a mere dreamer. We must preserve his legacy as an activist, intellectual and peace-seeker who fought and died for social justice."

Also making a contribution in words was Senator Chuck Schumer who praised the State Senator as one who "every day on his job lives up to the ideals of Dr. King. We celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King and he is revered because he held up a mirror to America and had us take a hard look at what we are and what we were doing," Senator Schumer said.

The featured act on the two-hour concert was nationally acclaimed gospel recording artist, Natalie Wilson and the Songs Of Praise (S.O.P) Chorale, who enriched the audience with a spirited performance of contemporary gospel music mixed with a touch of the old standards.

Also performing were the Mikerline Afro Haitian Dance Company and the Errol Grimes Dance Group. The hostess for the evening was Toni Seawright, a former Miss America finalist and the first black woman to wear the State crown as Miss Mississippi.

All tickets for the event were free and distributed on a first come basis. To reach the office of State Senator Parker call 718-629-6401.