Dr. King Drum Major Award - An Honor and a Reminder

On January 16, 2012 hundreds of people gathered in the historic Bronzeville Community at South Park Baptist Church, home of "the friendliest church on the boulevard". A celebration on the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a moment of fellowship in the midst of spirit moved gospel music, awarding 10 community leaders of the Bronzeville community, and best of all a reminder of how far we as people have come yet how much further we have to go. Here's the beauty of the event: The house began to be filled by community members not just of Bronzeville, but of Chicago. The front rows were occupied by pastors not just of South Park Baptist Church, but from around the city. Media scattered throughout and politicians coming together as one. All had come together in one accord, if even for one day to pay respects for a man of God who was a civil rights leader and moved by the power of peace. It was the power of unity. The ceremony was facilitated by the legendary journalist, Art Norman of channel 5 news and awards were presented by Alderman Pat Dowell and Johnnie Blair of the Bronzeville Chamber of Commerce. The beautiful ceremony took us down memory lane hearing the powerful words of Art Norman speaking on the works and vision of Martin L. King Jr. alongside hearing each awardee give their words on what Dr. Martin L. King meant to them. One more inspiring after the other which led me to think about what Rev. Martin L. King meant for me... To me, Martin L. King means bringing people together to provide a voice for those often unheard. I am ever SO grateful to have been one of the awardees in receiving the Dr.King Drum Major Award, but we have to keep in mind that "... to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more (Luke 12:48)". This award is an honor to have been recognized for our work and efforts, but more-so a reminder of what needs to come. Unless people come together a community cannot be strengthed. As the wise Johnnie B. has said, "A community has to Commit, Commune, and Unite." We recieve this award as motivation for things to come, because Help from Many brings Hope to All.