Singing of 'We Shall Overcome'
One of those events where you come away inspired. Inspired by how far we as a people have come, inspired by how far we still have to go, inspired by beautiful music….inspired by the event ending with everyone holding hands and singing we shall overcome someday!
At the beautiful Central Unitarian Church in Paramus with most of the county luminaries, a great keynote speech…first Theordora Smiley Lacey, former Teaneck teacher and civil rights activist spoke about growing up in Montgomery Alabama, knowing and working with Dr. King, and then being involved in the struggle in Bergen County to integrate the Teaneck schools. Then her son, Clinton Lacey, deputy Commissioner of the NYC Department of Correction brought home how the struggle is far from over. Others spoke up includinga chance for the local politicians to speak. Some great musical numbers, my friend Al Stawsky presented the Lee Reid award (which had been awarded to Al’s late wife, May)….and finally, well, hundreds of voices, a spontaneous joining of hands and “We shall overcome”….hope my pictures help at least a little.
