AT THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BREAKFAST IN BRONXVILLEBy Susan Johnson
January 22, 2024 – Bronxville, NY
Despite the winter’s first big freeze, the Reformed Church of Bronxville was packed for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast on January 15th, hosted by the Eastchester Community Action Partnership (ECAP) under the auspices of its Director Denise Chin.
Through its Foundation, the Rotary Club of Bronxville was a primary sponsor of the event. Bronxville Rotary Club President Louis Maggiotto said, “As we join together this morning to pay tribute to one of our greatest Americans, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we reflect on one sermon Dr. King preached, in which he said, ‘All life is interrelated… somehow, we’re caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny.’ As we mark the life and legacy of Dr. King, the Bronxville Rotary Club recognizes a mutual destiny shared with our neighbors. We commit ourselves to working with ECAP towards improving the lives of all those in their communities and the lives of all the people of our world.”
The event was a feast of sight and sound, beginning with the Presentation of Colors and Pledge of Allegiance performed by the Boy Scouts of America, Eastchester Troup #353. The Honorable Mary Marvin acknowledged elected officials present, including Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Shelly Mayer, member of the New York State Senate, and thanked Bronxville Rotary for its tradition of service.
A musical selection, “My Lord, what a Morning,” expertly performed by Eastchester High School student Carys du Boulay-Harrison, filled the room. Westchester Youth Poet Laureate Harmony Hopwood recited an eloquent original poem. Both performances brought the audience to its feet. Social Justice Award winners included Maxwell Pearce and the Asbury Crestwood United Methodist Church in Tuckahoe. Mr. Pearce, a professional basketball player-ambassador known as “Hops Pearce” for the legendary Harlem Globetrotters team, was unable to attend and asked Justin Smith to accept the award on his behalf.
Charles Henderson, who founded StreetWise Epistemic Leadership Coaching Program to help teach and coach executives, was the Master of Ceremonies and Dr. Belinda Miles, President, SUNY Westchester Community College was the keynote speaker. The Hon. Luigi Marcoccia, ECAP Advisory Council Chair, welcomed guests. Rev. Dr. Matthew Waterstone, Senior Minister of the Reformed Church, gave the invocation.