MLK Celebration

A Tuskegee Airman being honored for his service, a keynote speech urging us to continue to try and leave a mark in this world and a black church chorus getting down like only they know how! Those are just a few of the performances that marked this year's state-wide televised MLK Celebration.

I am always honored to be one of several Emcee's for this lovely event. It's truly inspiring to me every year. It was extra special for those participating as this was also the presidential inauguration.

My favorite part of the show is seeing the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church performing. They are second to none! This year they were joined by Tiffany Andrews-Woodside who was recently featured on BET's "Sunday Best Contest" and 12 year old Joshua King who played the harmonica and sang a soulful voice well beyond his years. Take a listen:


A new edition this year's show was YNN's Innae Park performing the National Anthem. Not only is she a very wonderful Weekend Anchor for YNN she also has a beautiful voice! Take a listen:

Photographed with YNN Weekend Anchor Innae Park and WTEN News Anchor Elisa Streeter.

Photographed with Tuskegee Airman Herbert C. Thorpe. I was so honored to meet him and I will always have a funny story to tell about the time I met a man of such historical significance. He came up behind me while my kiddos were pulling on my arm behind me and I was kinda swatting all of them away because I was trying to be polite to the person who I was talking to. He firmly gripped my hand and I thought it was my husband joining in the chorus of family members interrupting- so I swatted his hand! Yikes! When he grabbed me even stronger and turned me around- I squealed and he said "It's such an honor to meet you- I watch you every day!" Oh man- I apologized profusely while he giggled thoroughly entertained and with total understanding. I told him "No- sir, it's an honor to MEET YOU!"

I am truly blessed and humbled to be asked to come back year after year to take part in this wonderful celebration. I'd love to invite you to come out next year to this free and uplifting event!