ORLANDO, Fla. – As members of a historic African-American Fraternity gather to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., they are also getting results for their community and empowering young people through scholastic recognition.
You could hear singing reverberating through the halls of First Baptist Orlando as community leaders, students, and more sang “We Shall Overcome” during a portion of a keynote speaker’s speech on Friday.
Moments like this were just one of many highlighting Dr. King’s impact as members of the Delta Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated held their 38th annual MLK Luncheon.
“What you see inside is a representation of us coming together to continue to promote...the dream,” said Jermain Patterson.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
Patterson, the president of the Orlando chapter, says the luncheon honors “drum majors” in business, community service, civic, social justice, and scholastic achievement.
“It ties to the ‘Drum Major Instinct’ speech,” said Patterson. “Being a drum major in what you do. We kind of took the tagline of that speech and that became the essence of the awards.”
Several students received scholarships Friday and two students even earned more than a 5.0 GPA.
One of those two encouraged others despite their circumstances.
“I know some of us, we think like, ‘oh, school is so difficult and I don’t have any motivation,’ you just have to believe in yourself, that’s what keeps you going,” said Daria Gipson who attends Orlando Science Charter School.
There were moments of reflection and calls to the polls during the luncheon as the keynote speaker, Dr. Gerald Jones during his speech, said, “Disruption has crept up into America’s higher education system at an alarming rate.”
Dr. Jones referenced the state’s recent stance on African-American history and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Last year, Gov. Ron DeSantis rejected the College Board’s AP African American Studies class for high school students after it included lessons on reparations, Black queer studies and the Black Lives Matter movement.
People we spoke to say despite the state’s current political stance, the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is alive and well.
“As long as we continue to work for it and find our ways around obstacles like we always do, I think his dream will always be alive,” said Shayna Pinthieve who attends Evans High School.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: