Dr. Pinckney shared his personal memories as a college student in the1960's, when he attended Delaware State University, the only black university at the time of the civil rights movement.
"Many of my friends and I participated in demonstrations in Delaware and Maryland, and we were inspired by this very articulate, bright man," said Pinckney, who described Dr. King as not just a dreamer, but a doer who symbolized the struggle for fairness and equality.
"The dream is alive today, with us and with our children. Our goal is to keep the dream of peace and unity alive in our hearts, throughout our school district and throughout the world," said host Cynthia Johnson, Downing Elementary School Principal.
The evening's performances began with the district's youngest, as kindergarten students Maurice W. Downing Elementary, dressed as different color crayons, recited a rhyme about how different colors can create a beautiful picture.
Lindsey Pickering, fourth grade winner of the district's Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, read her submission titled "A Passion for Peace." Emily Schreiber's class from Davison Avenue School followed with a song called "Hand in Hand," with lyrics written by Schreiber.
"He asked us all to look at each other as a sister and a brother," the students sang.
A rendition of Bill Wither's "Lean On Me" followed, sung by the kindergarten and first grade classes of Davison Avenue teachers Jerry Greene, Brenda White, Marguerite Robles and Meryl Frankel. Tiffany Lee, a pupil of Malverne High School and student columnist for the Village Herald, read from her essay, which won second place.
"It is through Dr. King's work that I and others like me have an opportunity to achieve success," said Lee. John Lennon's "Imagine" immediately followed, sung by the high school's show choir, conducted by teacher Eileen Kramer.
"I think Dr. King would be very proud," said co-host Sharon McCabe, Principal of Howard T. Herber Middle School, who introduced Dr. Robert Pinckney as someone who "embraces Dr. King's dream on a daily basis."
Dr. Pinckney explained how the number one goal of the movement was to win civil rights to all Americans, not just those of a certain gender, race or religion. "When this goal is accomplished, America will be so much stronger," he said.
To achieve power and success, Dr. Pinckney said at least eighty percent of Americans must achieve a high level of education.
"America must reach out to all of its citizens, its young and its old, its rich and its poor, its black and its white, its Jew and its gentile, in preparation for America's success in the new millennium," he said, and revealed how each year at this time, he reads Dr. King's letter from the Birmingham Jail.
"I use it for my strength and direction for another year."
Dr. Pinckney spoke of boundless opportunities without limitations, and stressed the importance of believing in oneself, finishing high school, continuing on to college, and learning to overcome all obstacles, and not falling victim to negative peer pressure. He called on parents and community members to encourage and guide their youth responsibly.
"Don't treat this evening as a new year's resolution, take it back with you in your heart, in your soul and in your intent," he said.
Dr. Pinckney's words were followed by a zesty performance of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," the song written by Ashford and Simpson and made popular by Diana Ross, performed by the high school's concert choir, conducted by Eileen Kramer. A joyous rendition of Santana's "Smooth" and Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour," was performed by the Howard T. Herber Middle School Jazz Ensemble, conducted by teacher John Moryl. First-place essay winner Christine Henry of Malverne High School also shared her thoughts.
Robert Sorenson, parent, coach, and school volunteer since 1978, was presented with Dr. King's Humanitarian Award by Dan Gibbons, Malverne High School teacher. Honored posthumously was Henry "Hank" Williams, a high school social studies teacher, coach and outstanding role model who succumbed to non-Hodgkins lymphoma early last year. Williams' son Wandy accepted the award from James O'Beirne on his family's behalf. Both Sorenson and Williams were also recognized by Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta.
The evening concluded with a message from Reverend Troy Thomas, Pastor of St. Paul's Church in Lakeview and president of the NAACP's Lakeview Branch, and a performance of Mariah Carey's "Hero," sung by middle school student Shamaya Jackson, accompanied by teacher Terrance Daye. Audience members included Dr. Sharon Simmons, Malverne's curriculum supervisor, James O'Beirne, facilities director, Lena Richardson, Davison Avenue principal, and Jim Brown, interim high school principal.
