The 38th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Charles Roberts is a member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission appointed by Governor Dan McKee and the Executive Director of RI Slave History Medallions. He joined the Council of Independent Colleges with Yale Historian/Author David Blight in Memphis for their recent Legacy of American Slavery Conference (https:/
Celebration Program
MUSICAL PRELUDE
Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir, Earl Bright III, Director
INVOCATION
Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson, Commissioner,
Minister, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, New Bedford, MA
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE {on back page of program} All assembled, led by Commissioner Haley De La Rosa
WELCOME
Nathan W. Biah, Master of Ceremonies,
Chairman, MLK State Holiday Commission
GREETINGS FROM THE STATE
Pastor Christopher Abhulime, Deputy Chief of Staff, for His Excellency, Daniel J. McKee, Governor of Rhode Island
MUSICAL PRESENTATION
Prism of Praise Community Gospel Choir
AWARD PRESENTATIONS
State Holiday Commissioners
Ann Clanton, Kamilah A’Vant, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos
ESSAY AWARD WINNERS PRESENTATIONS
State Holiday Commissioners
Susan M. Pires, Niyoka Powell
VIP RECOGNITIONS-REMARKS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
Rep. Nathan W. Biah, Commission Chairman
MUSICAL PRESENTATION
Prism of Praise Community Gospel Choir
MUSICAL SELECTION – ALL ASSEMBLED
All who are able, please stand and join in singing
“We Shall Overcome”
BENEDICTION
Rev. Dr. Carl H. Balark, Jr.
REFRESHMENTS ~ Immediately following in Isom Hall
Living the Dream Award
As a transformational change-maker in the field of juvenile justice, Dr. Larome Myrick serves as the Executive Director of Juvenile Justice for Rhode Island. His educational background boasts a BS in Healthcare Administration, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and a PhD in Criminal Justice, bolstering his comprehensive understanding of both adult and juvenile correctional systems. Renowned as a community leader, Dr. Myrick’s dedication extends to his active involvement with community organizations such as the African American Legacy Project and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. His influential voice reaches far beyond the community level, resonating on multiple boards and commissions across Rhode Island, including the Governor’s COVID-19 Equity Council, Nowell Academy School Board, RI for Community and Justice Board, and the Providence Human Relations Commission. In 2022, Dr. Myrick was honored with a prestigious fellowship from the Hassenfeld Foundation, enhancing his skills at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Community Service Award
Neesu Wushuwunoag “Two Hawks” aka Raymond Two Hawks Watson, J.D., M.C.P., of Narragansett heritage from Rhode Island is the Chief Executive Officer/Founder of Providence Cultural Equity Initiative. He is a community advocate, cultural practitioner and business professional with over 16 years of experience in nonprofit executive administration. Two Hawks, who holds a BS in Political Science, a Master’s degree in Community Planning, and a Juris Doctorate, passed the RI bar exam in 2023. He is a 2021 recipient of the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Voluntary Service; a 2022 recipient of the Feinstein Center for Pro Bono and Experiential Education at RWU School of Law’s Public Interest Award; and a 2022 recipient of URI Black Scholar Awards Committee’s The Tossie E. Taylor, Jr. Community Spirit Award, among others.
Special Recognition Award
Donna L. O’Connor, RN, M.Ed., has served the students, families, and faculty of Providence Public Schools faithfully for over 25 years, most recently serving as the district’s head of nursing. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Donna went above and beyond serving as a substitute nurse for numerous schools with vacancies while continuing her administrative duties. Her exceptional dedication to the health of our youth has helped multiple generations of Providence students succeed in school. In addition to her work in our schools, Donna is also a board member of the state Certified Nursing Assistants Board, past president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and a supporter of many charities and community causes. Through her efforts, she has embodied Dr. King’s commitment to ensuring the health, wellness, and success of people of color.
~ Congratulations ~
2025 Essay Contest Winners
High School
1st Place: Isabella Salazar
Cranston West High School
2nd Place: Khadija Kouraj
Lincoln High School
Middle School
1st Place: Rooha Shanty
Edward R. Martin Middle School
2nd Place: Joseph Nold, Jr.
Davisville Middle School
PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and work, I pledge to do everything that I can to make America and the world a place where equality and justice, freedom and peace will grow and flourish. I pledge to make nonviolence a way of life in my dealings with all people. I will reject all forms of hatred, bigotry and prejudice, and I will embrace the values of unconditional, universal love, truthfulness, courage, compassion, and dedication that empowered Dr. King. I will dedicate my life to creating the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream, where all people can live together as sisters and brothers.
The King Holiday ~ A Day On, Not A Day Off
A day to celebrate the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A day to reaffirm the American ideals of freedom, justice and opportunity for all.
A day for love not hate, for understanding not anger, for peace not war.
A day for the family to share together, to reach out to relatives and friends and to mend broken relationships.
A day when people of all races, religions, classes and stations in life put aside their differences and join in a spirit of togetherness.
A day for our nation to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who awakened in us the best qualities of the American spirit.
A day for nations of the world to cease all violent actions, seek nonviolent solutions and demonstrate that peace is not just a dream, but a real possibility.
If for only one day, each of us serves as a “drum major for justice and peace,” then we will bring to life the inspiring vision of freedom, of which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed.
We Shall Overcome
We shall overcome We are not afraid
We shall overcome We are not afraid
We shall overcome someday We are not afraid today
Deep in my heart, I do believe Deep in my heart, I do believe
We shall overcome someday We shall overcome someday
Black and White together God is on our side
Black and White together God is on our side
Black and White together today God is on our side today
Deep in my heart, I do believe Deep in my heart, I do believe
We shall overcome someday We shall overcome someday
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission
Rep. Nathan W. Biah, Chairman
Hon. Maxine B. Shavers, Vice Chair
Vacant, Treasurer
Mrs. Christine O’Connor, Secretary
Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson
Rep. Raymond A. Hull
Ms. Kamilah A’Vant
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos
Rev. Dr. Carl H. Balark, Jr.
Hon. Harold Metts
Mrs. Ella Balark
Ms. Onna Moniz-John
Ms. Ann Allison Clanton
Ms. Susan M. Pires
Ms. Rosa E. DeCastillo
Ms. Niyoka Powell
Ms. Haley De La Rosa
Sen. Ana Quezada
Ms. Doris De Los Santos
Mr. Charles Roberts
Honorary Members
Hon. Joseph Almeida
Mrs. Jo Eva Gaines
Hon. George A. Castro, Dec
Mr. George Garedo
Hon. J. Clement Cicilline
Mr. Norman Lincoln, Dec
Mr. Alphonsa A. Cook
Mr. Randolph Lowman, Dec
Mrs. Shirley A. Cook
Mr. Frank Walker, III., Dec
Hon. Charles Walton
The Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission was established in 1975 by the RI Legislature, initiated by Hon. George A. Castro and Hon. Charles Walton. The purpose of the commission is to plan and administer a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Dr. King and the annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with seminar events of informative value to all segments of the Rhode Island community. The Commission also promotes and supports educational efforts throughout the year. The membership of the Commission consists of appointed legislators and representatives from organizations and groups generally identified with and thought to epitomize the ideals of Dr. King.
“Cowardice asks the question–Is it safe? Expediency asks the question–Is it politic?
Vanity asks the question–Is it popular?
But conscience asks the question–Is it right?
And there comes the time when one must take the position that it is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Charles Roberts is a member of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission appointed by Governor Dan McKee and the Executive Director of RI Slave History Medallions. He joined the Council of Independent Colleges with Yale Historian/Author David Blight in Memphis for their recent Legacy of American Slavery Conference (https:/
Celebration Program
MUSICAL PRELUDE
Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir, Earl Bright III, Director
INVOCATION
Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson, Commissioner,
Minister, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, New Bedford, MA
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE & PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE {on back page of program} All assembled, led by Commissioner Haley De La Rosa
WELCOME
Nathan W. Biah, Master of Ceremonies,
Chairman, MLK State Holiday Commission
GREETINGS FROM THE STATE
Pastor Christopher Abhulime, Deputy Chief of Staff, for His Excellency, Daniel J. McKee, Governor of Rhode Island
MUSICAL PRESENTATION
Prism of Praise Community Gospel Choir
AWARD PRESENTATIONS
State Holiday Commissioners
Ann Clanton, Kamilah A’Vant, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos
ESSAY AWARD WINNERS PRESENTATIONS
State Holiday Commissioners
Susan M. Pires, Niyoka Powell
VIP RECOGNITIONS-REMARKS FROM ELECTED OFFICIALS
Rep. Nathan W. Biah, Commission Chairman
MUSICAL PRESENTATION
Prism of Praise Community Gospel Choir
MUSICAL SELECTION – ALL ASSEMBLED
All who are able, please stand and join in singing
“We Shall Overcome”
BENEDICTION
Rev. Dr. Carl H. Balark, Jr.
REFRESHMENTS ~ Immediately following in Isom Hall
Living the Dream Award
As a transformational change-maker in the field of juvenile justice, Dr. Larome Myrick serves as the Executive Director of Juvenile Justice for Rhode Island. His educational background boasts a BS in Healthcare Administration, a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, and a PhD in Criminal Justice, bolstering his comprehensive understanding of both adult and juvenile correctional systems. Renowned as a community leader, Dr. Myrick’s dedication extends to his active involvement with community organizations such as the African American Legacy Project and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. His influential voice reaches far beyond the community level, resonating on multiple boards and commissions across Rhode Island, including the Governor’s COVID-19 Equity Council, Nowell Academy School Board, RI for Community and Justice Board, and the Providence Human Relations Commission. In 2022, Dr. Myrick was honored with a prestigious fellowship from the Hassenfeld Foundation, enhancing his skills at the Harvard Kennedy School.
Community Service Award
Neesu Wushuwunoag “Two Hawks” aka Raymond Two Hawks Watson, J.D., M.C.P., of Narragansett heritage from Rhode Island is the Chief Executive Officer/Founder of Providence Cultural Equity Initiative. He is a community advocate, cultural practitioner and business professional with over 16 years of experience in nonprofit executive administration. Two Hawks, who holds a BS in Political Science, a Master’s degree in Community Planning, and a Juris Doctorate, passed the RI bar exam in 2023. He is a 2021 recipient of the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Voluntary Service; a 2022 recipient of the Feinstein Center for Pro Bono and Experiential Education at RWU School of Law’s Public Interest Award; and a 2022 recipient of URI Black Scholar Awards Committee’s The Tossie E. Taylor, Jr. Community Spirit Award, among others.
Special Recognition Award
Donna L. O’Connor, RN, M.Ed., has served the students, families, and faculty of Providence Public Schools faithfully for over 25 years, most recently serving as the district’s head of nursing. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Donna went above and beyond serving as a substitute nurse for numerous schools with vacancies while continuing her administrative duties. Her exceptional dedication to the health of our youth has helped multiple generations of Providence students succeed in school. In addition to her work in our schools, Donna is also a board member of the state Certified Nursing Assistants Board, past president of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, and a supporter of many charities and community causes. Through her efforts, she has embodied Dr. King’s commitment to ensuring the health, wellness, and success of people of color.
~ Congratulations ~
2025 Essay Contest Winners
High School
1st Place: Isabella Salazar
Cranston West High School
2nd Place: Khadija Kouraj
Lincoln High School
Middle School
1st Place: Rooha Shanty
Edward R. Martin Middle School
2nd Place: Joseph Nold, Jr.
Davisville Middle School
PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and work, I pledge to do everything that I can to make America and the world a place where equality and justice, freedom and peace will grow and flourish. I pledge to make nonviolence a way of life in my dealings with all people. I will reject all forms of hatred, bigotry and prejudice, and I will embrace the values of unconditional, universal love, truthfulness, courage, compassion, and dedication that empowered Dr. King. I will dedicate my life to creating the Beloved Community of Dr. King’s dream, where all people can live together as sisters and brothers.
The King Holiday ~ A Day On, Not A Day Off
A day to celebrate the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A day to reaffirm the American ideals of freedom, justice and opportunity for all.
A day for love not hate, for understanding not anger, for peace not war.
A day for the family to share together, to reach out to relatives and friends and to mend broken relationships.
A day when people of all races, religions, classes and stations in life put aside their differences and join in a spirit of togetherness.
A day for our nation to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who awakened in us the best qualities of the American spirit.
A day for nations of the world to cease all violent actions, seek nonviolent solutions and demonstrate that peace is not just a dream, but a real possibility.
If for only one day, each of us serves as a “drum major for justice and peace,” then we will bring to life the inspiring vision of freedom, of which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamed.
We Shall Overcome
We shall overcome We are not afraid
We shall overcome We are not afraid
We shall overcome someday We are not afraid today
Deep in my heart, I do believe Deep in my heart, I do believe
We shall overcome someday We shall overcome someday
Black and White together God is on our side
Black and White together God is on our side
Black and White together today God is on our side today
Deep in my heart, I do believe Deep in my heart, I do believe
We shall overcome someday We shall overcome someday
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission
Rep. Nathan W. Biah, Chairman
Hon. Maxine B. Shavers, Vice Chair
Vacant, Treasurer
Mrs. Christine O’Connor, Secretary
Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson
Rep. Raymond A. Hull
Ms. Kamilah A’Vant
Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos
Rev. Dr. Carl H. Balark, Jr.
Hon. Harold Metts
Mrs. Ella Balark
Ms. Onna Moniz-John
Ms. Ann Allison Clanton
Ms. Susan M. Pires
Ms. Rosa E. DeCastillo
Ms. Niyoka Powell
Ms. Haley De La Rosa
Sen. Ana Quezada
Ms. Doris De Los Santos
Mr. Charles Roberts
Honorary Members
Hon. Joseph Almeida
Mrs. Jo Eva Gaines
Hon. George A. Castro, Dec
Mr. George Garedo
Hon. J. Clement Cicilline
Mr. Norman Lincoln, Dec
Mr. Alphonsa A. Cook
Mr. Randolph Lowman, Dec
Mrs. Shirley A. Cook
Mr. Frank Walker, III., Dec
Hon. Charles Walton
The Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission was established in 1975 by the RI Legislature, initiated by Hon. George A. Castro and Hon. Charles Walton. The purpose of the commission is to plan and administer a celebration to commemorate the birthday of Dr. King and the annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with seminar events of informative value to all segments of the Rhode Island community. The Commission also promotes and supports educational efforts throughout the year. The membership of the Commission consists of appointed legislators and representatives from organizations and groups generally identified with and thought to epitomize the ideals of Dr. King.
“Cowardice asks the question–Is it safe? Expediency asks the question–Is it politic?
Vanity asks the question–Is it popular?
But conscience asks the question–Is it right?
And there comes the time when one must take the position that it is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.”
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
