Far EastKiwanis Club & Division One Sponsor Dr. Martin Luther King Annual Prayer Breakfast

Photo Essay and Story by Past Governor Bob Cressy

Washington, DC -   Members of the Kiwanis Club of Far East sponsored their Annual Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Annual Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 17th, 2011.  It was held at Saint Luke's Catholic Church, 4923 Central Avenue, SE, Washington, DC.  The event on the country's national day of remembrance of Dr. King was held in a large parish hall once again with around a hundred Kiwanis members, guests and entertainers.

Club President Dianne Owens called the program to order in the Kiwanis meeting format including the Pledge of Allegiance, an inspirational song, quotations from scripture and the invocation by Past President Norma Wilson.  There were many large inter-clubs from the Kiwanis Clubs of Division One, along with visiting Kiwanians from neighboring clubs of Arlington, La Plata, Waldorf, Bethesda, and Potomac.  President Dianne then invited all to join in the large buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, muffins & grits, juices, fruits, coffee and tea.  During the breakfast we were joyously and enthusiastically entertained by  "The East of the River Steel Band".

The program after breakfast was focused on young people.  Parents came forward with their young children forming a large circle at stage center while the Reverend Maxine Johnson offer a prayer for the well being, health, protection and care of children.  Continuing with the theme, and one you must see in the pictures shown, eight children ages less than two to six from the Dor-Montes' Day Care came on stage to sing songs in praise of Dr. King's legacy.  They were directed by Doris Montgomery, co-owner of the Day Care and the Capital District Director from the Potomac Region.  One little girl turned suddenly very shy on stage while a young boy seized his moment of fame.  They were all great.  Well, see the photos please.

The "Praise Dancers" of the Tabernacle & Riderdale Baptist Church next performed interpretive dance routines leading up to the Keynote Speaker who was introduced by Barbara D. High.  The speaker was Derrell Brooks, a recently named Associate Pastor.  He began softly, quietly … and I will not, can not truly represent his words and delivery, but as a flavor of it … he quickly moved into a very powerful style, strong voice and meaningful message.  In paraphrase he said "I'm talking to and about young blacks, their standards, education, respect of others, their obedience.  Many are out of control.  Why can't we acknowledge what they have given us … mothers, teachers, preachers".  Yes, he said "we" and what they have given "us".  He said that because he is 15 years old, well almost sixteen.  And he is a preacher, with the maturity and control of his message that would impress you.  He said, "Today there is so much doubt, anger.  Parents, take control, be aware, be involved. Kids act like they do because you allow them to."  He said "I thank Dr. Martin Luther King for his Dreams.  Faith to faith. For his leadership." The gathered crowd was into him, this young preacher. And he was into us with his message.

The prayer breakfast was concluded with a recognition of the Kiwanis Clubs in attendance, club announcements, brief remarks and the singing of "We shall overcome/
We shall overcome/We shall overcome, someday/Oh, deep in my heart/I do believe/
We shall overcome, someday."

The Annual Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast: A fine tribute and tradition.