M artin L uther K ing J r .
Page 20
2016 special edition
January 13, 2016
Saluting Martin Luther King Jr.
TWO LOCATIONS
3311 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland OR 97212
503-206-3911 • Mon-Sat 9am-7pm • Closed Sunday
5408 NE M L King Blvd, Portland, OR 97211
503- 335-0271 • Mon-Sat 9am-7pm • Sunday Open 11am-5pm
Over 5,000 Hair Care & Nail Care Items
The Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, a diverse and histor-
ically African American congregation at 3138 N. Vancouver Ave.,
fills to capacity for its annual Drum Majors tribute in honor of the
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King national holiday.
Drum Majors for
Justice Celebrated
Historic church hosts
10th ecumenical service
The Vancouver Avenue First
Baptist Church, a diverse and
historically African American
congregation at 3138 N. Vancou-
ver Ave., pays tribute to present
day leaders who have made last-
ing contributions to social justice
causes, during the upcoming Mar-
tin Luther King Jr. Holiday week-
end.
On Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m.,
the church will host its 10th an-
nual “Empower the Dream” MLK
ecumenical service to celebrate
the empowerment of a community
and strengthening of multi-cul-
tural ties. The keynote speaker
will be renowned International
Christian Evangelist, Dr. Luis Pa-
lau, from the Palau International
Ministries in Portland. Also on the
program will be a host of local no-
tables that include state and local
dignitaries, local clerics and edu-
cators, and the McMinnville High
School Gospel Choir.
This year’s theme is “Let Your
Academic Aspirations Light the
Way.” The drum major awards
presented are in recognition of the
term King used during a sermon
in February 1968 — two months
before he was assassinated — at
the Ebenezer Baptist Church in
Atlanta.
In the speech, Dr. King talk-
ed about his own funeral and the
Rev. J.W. Matt Hennessee, pas-
tor of Vancouver Avenue First
Baptist Church.
eulogy that might be given, and
asked that he be remembered as
a “drum major” for justice, peace
and righteousness.
On Saturday, Jan. 16, a “Sa-
lute to Greatness” luncheon will
be held at the church’s fellowship
hall to recognize deserving indi-
viduals from academic and com-
munity service groups. Open to
the community at large, it promis-
es to be an inspiring, uplifting, and
empowering celebration.
To learn more about the cer-
emonies or to donate for future
scholarships, contact Raymond
Burell, Vancouver Avenue Bap-
tist Church representative, at ray-
mondburell@hotmail.com.