Hempstead, NY (January 15, 2016) The Economic Opportunity Commission (EOC) of Nassau County, Inc., announces the celebration of its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Dinner Dance. This auspicious occasion was held on January 15, 2016 (the actual birth date of the Late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.). Over three hundred plus persons gathered for an evening of elegance, dining and conviviality.
In this era of transition for our nation, the focus on honorees for the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Dinner 2016 was designated local chapters of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Our distinguished honorees included; Douglas and Darleyne Mayers (NAACP Freeport/Roosevelt Branch); Ms. Beatrice Bayley (NAACP Lakeview Branch); and the Hempstead NAACP Branch. Another one of our distinguished honorees was Mr. George Siberon, Executive Director of the Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association and a long time community partner / advocate of the EOC Agency. All of the honorees received the EOC’s custom-made bronze Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Keeper of the Dream” Plaque.
As part of the proceeds go towards four year scholarships for eligible youth, who may never have an opportunity to pursue their higher educational dreams; the highlight of the evening was also our youth. During our VIP reception, Six junior scholars received academic excellence medal awards; Zion and Messiah Noel, Matthew Flores, Cameron Johnson, Pierre Porterfield Jr., and Bernard Johnson Jr. We were later inspired in song and dance by the Uniondale High School Show Choir and EOC Youth on Parade. Jeslie Flores led us into our evening program with a motivating welcome address. Our exhilarating Mistresses of Ceremonies for the evening were Valerie Glover (Executive Assistance to CEO) and Dr. LaVonne Erskine (MLK Dinner Dance Chairperson)
Additional awards were given to community persons who have gone above and beyond to support the mission and vision of the EOC Agency and to make a notable difference in the lives of others. The recipients were Lenora Quinones; Rev. John Erskine, Ollie and Eloise Hawthorne, Nina Mirando. And Wanda Brown. Our keynote speaker; Minister Abdul Hafeez Muhammed gave a rousing address on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King and our responsibility to continue to uphold the legacy of Dr. King. A scrumptious feast was served by the Crest Hollow Country Club. We then “danced the night away” to music provided by the Warren Daniels Orchestra and BJ Productions.
We are already planning for our 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Dinner Dance, which is scheduled for Friday, January 13, 2017 at the Crest Hollow Country Club (Woodbury, NY).
SAVE THE DATE!
© Economic Opportunity Commission of Nassau County, Inc.
