"KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE IN CARY, NORTH CAROLINA" MLK, JR. TASK FORCE OF CARY
Dreamfest celebrates African-American history and heritage each year in January and February through a series of events and activities planned as a means to educate, inspire and challenge the Cary community of North Carolina and surrounding communities to be welcoming, inclusive and to live together in an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and understanding all year long.
To kick-off Dreamfest 2012, WFWP and the Women of Action (WOA) had their 2nd Annual Gathering at 7 pm on January 13 at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. The goal of the gathering is to initiate and facilitate an association of women of action, organizations and businesses exploring possibilities of how to form a cooperative partnership and relationship for life. Women are challenged to "Resolve to be Involved" and emerge as WOA.
This year's gathering was well attended by an awesome assembly of 41 women, while last year's event was attended by 12.
The gathering began with musical inspiration featuring Jerome Waller & Anointed Praise, who inspired and lifted spirits to the highest heights. Then each participant was given 60 seconds to introduce themselves and tell their story, their thoughts about their "Can Do" and its impact on our world. Women were encouraged to bring PR material and other materials to share and network.
The guest of honor for the evening was Angelika Selle, President of WFWP USA, who gave a brief overview of WFWP USA and in her unique special way, encouraged all women of action to get to know each other and reach out to women in neighborhoods and cities through common interests such as world peace, healing, women's issues and concerns, and more.
Other special speakers included: Sonya Stead, 2nd Vice President MLK, Jr. Task Force of Cary & CEO of Pie Pan Entertainment and recording/performing group Sweet Potato Pie, who gave a 3-minute talk on her thoughts about the WFWP Mission Statement; Donna Burnett, author, poet,dramatist and leader of Transforming Souls Ministry and CEO of Lady D Promotions, who gave a spellbinding dramatic presentation from her Transforming Souls Ministry; Sherrod Gresham, African-American historian, collector and author, who gave a presentation focusing on African-American women in history; and Carolyn Sampson, President MLK, Jr. Task Force of Cary and State Coordinator WFWP North Carolina, welcomed and encouraged all to partake of refreshments, network, mix, mingle and "Resolve To Be Involved".
The evening drew to a close with each and every one feeling a sense of connection one to another.
On Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 4 pm, the signature event called "A Tribute to Martin" observance was held at the Cary Arts Center. The event had entertainment, presentations and proclamations with representatives of the town leadership speaking. Presiding were: guest of honor Rev. Angelika Selle, WFWP USA; Carolyn Sampson, President MLK, Jr. Task Force of Cary; and Town of Cary representatives Lyman Collins and Rob Garner.
The Triangle Youth Jazz Ensemble performed with guest vocalist Hannah Grantham and guest moderator Rev. Iris Jordan. The Vision United Singers and Latter Day Saints Choir performed songs from "Come to the House of the Lord". The evening was further enhanced by the JUDA Dance Ministry of Solid Rock International Church under the leadership of Cheryl Thomas, dance director of Marvelous Things Ministry and Resident Director of Vision United Dance Projects, and Mattney Beck, dramatist and Resident Moderator.
After all the performances, Ms. Sampson invited Ms. Selle to the stage to give closing remarks about how the common vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. and WFWP is Living by the Logic of Love. This was the first year for us to utilize the new Cultural Arts Center for this event and we are pleased that over 300 participated in the opportunity to remember, honor and, most importantly, understand the Dream of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Sunday, January 15, 2012, President Selle was featured speaker at a WFWP meeting of North Carolina at Lovin' Life Ministries in Durham, NC. Many men and women listened to the presentations about WFWP USA and the hopes for growth of the WFWP Chapter there. President Selle spoke strongly about the need for North Carolina women to "Resolve To Be Involved" now.
President Selle shared, "This weekend was an opportunity to introduce WFWP to the guests and the public. Thank you so much, Carolyn. She worked so hard the whole year to put these events together. The way she is working is just fascinating to me because she is getting all the information out to the media to advertise for the events. I would like to thank Burgi Hutchinson, who works with ACLC, and Sharon Pace, who works with UPF, for supporting Carolyn. Everyone worked together as a team and so many different people were present."
Martin Luther King wrote, "The great challenge is to prepare ourselves to enter doors of opportunity". On Monday, January 16, 2012 there was the Dream of Democracy March at 10 am joining other Triangle residents at the 31st Annual MLK Jr. Memorial March in downtown Raleigh. About 1,500 people marched. Following the march was a service event from 2 - 4 pm at the Middle Creek Community Center. In coordination with the Town of Cary's Spruce program, citizens and community groups assisted with a mulch project at the playing fields, disc golf course and the open space at the Center. Many volunteers showed up to do their "Can Do" and toiled together in harmony.
There will be a Post-Dreamfest Event featuring an exhibit of African-American history through the art of Lé Grant Taylor, celebrating Black History in the month of February. The free Art Exhibit opens at 2 pm Feb. 11 at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. All are invited to join Le'Grant Taylor to view his art and hear his story of looking ahead with promise to something greater born from the wisdom and knowledge of the past.
All good things come to an end and so Dreamfest 2012 gives way to the planning of Dreamfest 2013; yet, when all is said and done it must be remembered that a great plan cannot be great without people and organizations working together and never wavering from the vision that unites them. So it is with a thankful heart of gratitude and recognition that "When we reach out in all directions to do good to the children of our Father, then we bring to ourselves the blessing of an all wise Father, and we can rejoice in the good that we accomplish here."