The spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were celebrated and honored in a special event held on Sunday, showcasing the power of his message and the progress made in the pursuit of equality. The 2024 Drum Major Empower the Dream event served as a poignant reminder of Dr. King’s unwavering dedication to justice and equality for all. The weather, however, put a damper on all events this weekend.
Leading the special service was J.W. Matt Hennessee, the senior servant of Vancouver Avenue Baptist Church and the godson of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The historic church held a significant place in Dr. King’s journey, as he spoke there in November 1961 during his visit to the Pacific Northwest. It remains the only church in Oregon where Dr. King addressed the “Beloved Community,” leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the congregation.
The scheduled keynote speaker for the event was Jessica Taylor, the first Black female president of Multnomah University in Portland. Taylor’s leadership and accomplishments serve as a testament to the ongoing work towards equality and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
Drum Major Empower the Dream symbolizes the call to action inspired by Dr. King’s famous “Drum Major Instinct” sermon, in which he spoke of the importance of serving others and striving for justice and equality. These types of events provide an opportunity for the community to come together, reflecting on the progress made while acknowledging the work that still lies ahead.
Another event, the 39th Annual Keep Living The Dream Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was originally scheduled for Monday January 15th. World Arts Foundation Inc. invited everyone to join Highland Christian Center on 78th and Glisan for speeches and musical performances. However, the event was reportedly rescheduled for February 17th due to weather conditions.
Through music, speeches, and shared stories, MLK events aimed to inspire individuals to actively contribute to the realization of Dr. King’s dream of a more inclusive and equitable society. Participants across the country are encouraged to reflect on their own roles as “drum majors” for justice, compassion, and positive change in their communities.
