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LIVING THE DREAM OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING
Gospel Choir Raise Their Voices In Remembrance
By Kim Fink
 | | --Photo By Kim Fink Members of the Manchester Middle School celebrate after their inspired performance at the school's 25th annual tribute concert, entitled "Living the Dream." |
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The glorious sound of 42 young voices filled the Manchester High School auditorium Friday evening when the Manchester Middle School Gospel Choir sang out in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The 25th annual tribute concert, entitled "Living the Dream," incorporated dance, poetry and song in an evening of remembrance and reflection.
"We remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because of his strength of character and his leadership," special guest Peggy Viola said as she addressed the crowd, "but we must also remember the remaining work and look inward at our selves and our own character."
Master of Ceremonies Pastor Troy Swift was met with a rousing applause by the audience packed with family, friends and local residents. As he took the stage to start the show, he shouted, "We are going to celebrate tonight! We invite you to participate in this joyous evening."
The Swift family has participated in the coordination of the King celebration for many years. Evelyn Swift, choir director and language arts teacher at Manchester Middle School, has organized the event for the last five years. Swift was a singer in the choir herself when she was a student.
Following her lead, student presenters Jamie Gates, Cassandra Grod and Breashia Tinnery spoke of the importance of the holiday, stressing that Dr. King's dream was for all people, regardless of race.
"This is not a black holiday, this is a people holiday," said one of the young students. "We must celebrate interracial sister and brotherhood."
In addition to the choir's multi-song tribute performance of the choir, audience members were also treated to solo presentations by students Megan DiMaiolo, who performed a dance number, and Elaina Lawson, who performed a show stopping mime interpretation.
The evening ended with guest speaker, Dr. Wilhilmena Azu, an OB/GYN in Toms River and a native of Ghana.
The Manchester Middle School Gospel Choir was the first gospel choir in New Jersey and continues to be one of the largest. Manchester High School followed suit with a newly formed choir, which also performed at the celebration to pay tribute to the late civil rights leader.
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