By Alltimepost.com
Eight distinguished personalities, representing various fields of human endeavors, including small business entrepreneurs, an artisan, human rights activist, a motivational speaker, and published author were recently honored for their life time achievements by the North Shore Black Women’s Association, Incorporated in Malden, Massachusetts.
It was part of the activities marking the organization’s 24th annual Rev Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial luncheon which was attended by people from the greater Malden and Boson communities, including the Mayor of Malden, Gary Christenson.
The organization chose the theme: Entrepreneurship and Economic Development for this year’s celebration.
Honorees included, Mr. Frank and Mrs. Bridget Ekhator, owners of Franklin International Beauty Supply Store, Malden; Sharon Santillo, artist and Board member of Malden Arts; Ushearnda Stroud, entrepreneur, educator, coach, motivational speaker and Executive Director of Child and Family Services, Malden; Linsey Devincentis-Wyman, President, Minuteman Press of Malden.
Others were Vick Breedy, Author of the book, Bitter; Beverly A. Dinkins, President and CEO of On The Road Again Early Learning Center, Malden, and Maxonne Joseph, owner of Cesil’s Barber Salon, Everett, Massachusetts.
The awards were presented by Malden-based Justice of the Peace, Gladys Rivera-Rogers, supported by the master of ceremony and Malden City Councilor (Ward7), Neal Anderson.
In a welcome remark signed by its President, Iodiah Henry and Joanne Stroud-Lebeau, luncheon Chairperson, the organization said the purpose of the event was to pay homage to the past, celebrate the present and recommit themselves to carry out the vision of Dr. King who saw a world colored with freedom, justice and equality.
“Our honorees represent a wide range of expertise and services to the community that include small businesses, an artist, a motivational speaker and a published author.”
According to the organization, the honorees had shared their unique gifts and talents with their communities, thereby enriching them socially, economically and culturally.
“Let us never forget what the power of a few can accomplish, so we salute our honorees today for their service, imagination and passion to make a difference.”
The organization also saluted many friends and supporters, who it said, for more than two decades, had supported its mission of “Involvement Makes A Difference.”
“2017 presents each of us with opportunities to remain a unifying presence in the community as we encounter uncertainties on political, economic and racial fronts.
“Our continued commitment to Dr. King’s legacy within our personal and collective spheres of influence can propel us forward in positive ways in the coming months,” the organization further stressed.
It called on all to remain hope-filled and serve as ambassadors for transformational change “in our day-to-day activities and encounters with people.”
The mayor of Malden, Gary Christenson, in his message congratulated the organization and honorees on their achievements. He expressed his appreciation to them for their ongoing commitment to the city and dedication to keeping the dream alive.
All Honorees made different remarks, but they were all united on one thing – appreciation to the organization for honoring them for their service to the community on such a very historic event of Martin Luther King Day.
Among those who spoke was Mr. Frank Ekhator, a Nigerian-American who turned the American dream into reality. His words: “for obvious reasons, this is a lifelong achievement recognition that I would forever cherish.
“It is not easy for an individual, especially an immigrant-owned business that started in a small 12 by 24ft corner store to rise to a sizable and incorporated prominent retail store, even without a single loan from the bank, but through the sweat of two jobs and hard work.”
According to him, although he and his wife had once been honored before by the Massachusetts’ Black Legislative Caucus and in 2012 by the general Legislative body of the State of Massachusetts, he had never felt so proud and accomplished as being honored on Martin Luther King platform.
He thanked the association for the recognition and the support they have received from the community, including the Malden Police since the inception of the business.
Mr. Ekhator, also a human rights activist and Nigerian community leader described Martin Luther King Jr.’s commemoration as the highest individual celebration for people of color.
“So to be recognized on such occasion as far as I am concerned is a dream come through,” recalling that growing up in his native Nigerian homeland he was a celebrated sportsman and human right activist, whose role models were Martin Luther King and Wole Soyinka.
“While I was opportune to work with Soyinka to restore democracy to Nigeria after several years of military dictatorship, my activities or achievements had never been linked with Martin Luther King in any form or shape, but today the dream I harbored right from youth has come through and through the North Shore Black Women’s Association of Massachusetts,” he noted.
As part of the highlights of the event, the North Shore Black Women’s Association presented star scholarship awards to several individuals, including: Treynz W. Amos, Yasmene Brown, Fikirte Megerssa, Tishida Lettia Stroud, Janaya Wolcott Shannon Anderson and Nathaniel Ilebode.
During the occasion, some other organizations and individuals also used the platform to give out various scholarships to deserving members of the various communities.
