On Jan. 19, the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration took place at The Woodlands Methodist Church.
With the theme “Strength in Unity,” the program honored Dr. King’s legacy of service and brought the community together to celebrate his vision for equality and perseverance.
Highlights of the program included:
• The Oak Ridge High School Air Force Junior ROTC TX 951 led the Posting of Colors, setting a tone of reverence and respect.
• Musical performances included the MLK Youth Mass Choir, directed by Lisa Hassler, performing “I Have a Dream” in commemorative T-shirts designed by last year’s poster contest winner.
• The MLK Adult Mass Choir, a collaboration of community members, delivered powerful renditions of “Who Is Like The Lord” and “Strength Like No Other” under the direction of Dr. Don Barrick, Pastor Joseph McKinney, and Dr. Marquis Faison.
• Dr. Jesse Tyson, serving as Master of Ceremonies, guided the program with professionalism and warmth, introducing speakers and performances that celebrated Dr. King’s timeless call to serve others.
• Jason Skaer, Chief Strategic Officer at The Church Project, provided commemorative tribute, emphasizing Dr. King’s call to serve others.
• Scholarship and Drum Major Awards: This year’s Drum Major Award was presented to The Howard Hughes Corporation for its outstanding civic engagement and commitment to community building. The company’s President of the Houston Region, Jim Carman, accepted the award, stating, “We consider ourselves true community builders. Community starts with kids and education, and if you don’t have that, you don’t have much of anything else.”
• The event also showcased the impact of the MLK Scholarship Program, which has awarded over 410 scholarships since its inception, supporting students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals.
• Special Recognitions: Two long-serving choir coordinators, Bernadine Davis and Elsa Dotson, were honored for their more than 20 years of dedicated service to the MLK celebration.
• Community Engagement: Cheryl Tyson, MLK Committee Chair, reflected on the event’s musical highlights. “It’s so rewarding; I get emotional every time. Just hearing them sing and seeing the dedication from the directors and choir members year after
year is overwhelming and humbling,” she said.
About the Celebration: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration is an annual event organized to honor Dr. King’s vision of service, unity, and perseverance. The program includes scholarships, musical performances, and recognition of individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy. Support the Mission: The MLK Celebration Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization
dedicated to supporting scholarships for deserving students.
For more information, visit twmlk.com
If the full content does not display, visit the article originally published on this site