InterFaith21

Mistress of ceremonies Liz Quirantes (R), PBSC President Dennis Gallon, and the PBSC Troubadours onstage to perform "The Star Spangled Banner."

This morning promised yet another chamber of commerce day. But given the lingering coolness in the air, Palm Beach State College President Dennis Gallon made the right call to move the 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Breakfast inside the Duncan Theatre on the Lake Worth Campus. The former Palm Beach Community College also made another outstanding choice of keynote speaker. Sheila Johnson, whose credits include part owner of three professional sports teams, spoke in depth of the nexus of sacrifice and deep friendship between Dr. King and another great servant of humanity, Jackie Robinson.

(R-L): PBSC President Dennis Gallon, keynote speaker Sheila Johnson, mistress of ceremonies Liz Quirantes.

Check back later for more on the PBSC program and the comments of Ms. Johnson, founding partner of Black Entertainment Television and herself a legend.

For now I’m behind on several deadlines, and also have more to prepare for Monday’s 8th annual MLK Day Celebration during which I’m honored to be speaking, at the invitation of Carribbean Americans for Community Involvement in conjunction with the Village of Royal Palm Beach.

In addition, earlier that morning, West Palm Beach’s beloved Edith Bush convenes her MLK Coordinating Committee’s umpteenth annual MLK Breakfast at the Palm Beach County Convention Center — from which I’ll be rushing out at bit early this year.

For now, for those who wanted to be present but couldn’t, a few more scenes from PBSC:

PBSC Criminal Justice Institute Academy students with the presentation of colors and pledge to the flag.

The Troubadours.

Wendy S. Link, PBSC board of trustees chairperson, giving opening remarks.

Keynote speaker Johnson...

...had everyone's attention...

... including, to the far right in the balcony, a man after this multi-tasking writer/editor's own heart...

... who paid rapt attention even while working with his red pen.

So did students who lined the balcony.

PBSC's Black Student Union Gospel Choir performed "Lift Every Voice And Sing," the Negro National Anthem.

Student Angela Fontenot delivered a stirring vocal solo.

PBSC Professor Allen L. Webber leading the gathering in "We Shall Overcome."

Go forth and "Dream. Act. Serve." I have long been a fan of Dr. Gallon, his administration, the board and staff at PBSC, for always keeping it all about the students.