SENATOR PARKER’S 6th ANNUAL FREE MLK CONCERT ENCHANTS BROOKLYN
Grammy Award-winning Gospel group ‘SOUNDS OF BLACKNESS’ draws 1,600 to Walt Whitman Theater
Brooklyn, NY- Yesterday, on the national day commemorating the life and legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., State Senator Kevin Parker presented an outstanding program of music, dance and spoken word tributes at his annual ‘A Shared Dream’ concert at Brooklyn College’s Walt Whitman Theater. Nearly 1,600 Brooklynites, and visitors from other boroughs, packed the performing arts center theater to hear the headlining Grammy Award-winning gospel group Sounds of Blackness. The free community concert was hosted in conjunction with New Hope Christian Fellowship, and in its sixth year is now among the top three MLK tributes in New York City. Following the recent tragedy in Haiti, the concert was dedicated to the victims and their families who reside in Central Brooklyn.
“’A Shared Dream’ concert comes at an important time when we need to bring awareness to both educating our youth on peace and service. It is my duty to remind everyone to get on board and help our neighbors in Haiti during their time of need. As Dr. King reminded his followers of the urgency of now; we have come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now, the same way Dr. King told the crowd at the Lincoln Memorial - Now is the time for us to open the doors of opportunity for all God’s children”, said Senator Parker.
The annual free MLK concert brings together churches, ministries, community leaders and youth from all over Central Brooklyn to promote unity and cohesion among youth and teens. During the show, a moment of silence was shared for the victims following the devastating earthquake that shook Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, last week Tuesday.
This year’s concert was hosted by WBLS 107.5 FM on-air personality and Community Director Dr. Bob Lee who kept the audience engaged throughout the evening’s program. The concert’s theme focused on youth development through the eyes of Dr. King, and featured local acts: Creative Outlet Youth Artists, an interpretive dance ensemble; David Metayer & One Accord, before Sounds of Blackness took stage. United State Senator Charles Schumer and Corporate Sponsor Gil Cygler of All Car Rental brought greetings. The evening closed with a one hour performance showcasing the Sounds’ soulful yet funky praise rendition of R&B, Rock, Rap and Soul classics, including their global hit ‘Optimistic’, drawing the audience to their feet.
About Senator Kevin Parker
Senator Kevin S. Parker is committed to restoring the overall quality of life for the constituents of the 21st Senatorial District in Brooklyn. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Senator Parker has been a Flatbush resident for more than 30 years. Having been nurtured, schooled and employed in the district, Senator Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of this ethnically diverse community that consists of 311,000 constituents in several communities which include: Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington and Borough Park.
