Jan 22

Jan 22 Celebrating King

Through Dance And Performance, Youth At Buck Lodge Middle School Show Talent And Honor Past Traditions

Photography and Story By Raoul Dennis

The multinational flags hanging from the ceiling of the auditorium of Buck Lodge Middle School impressively wave with the colors of over a dozen nations. But they don’t make the same impact as the nearly 200 people seated beneath them representing the global family.

From the stage, the view of so many faces of the families of students and neighbors created a stunning mosaic. But the view on the stage proved to be a far more dazzling, dramatic display of talent and entertainment – one that had the audience rocked.

The Jan. 20 LAYC/MMYC Martin Luther King Jr., Day of Service was a full program.

County Executive Angela Alsobrooks attended contributing to the high energy level. She shared remarks reminding the students of the rich legacy that they are connected to and that her administration is dedicated to enriching their lives.

County Councilmember Deni Taveras, who was seen riveted by the music in the front row, was joined by Dr. Alvin Thornton, chair of the board of education and luminary in the education community and Paul Monteiro, a member of the board.

“We must have full participation in the 2020 Census,” Taveras urged using Spanish and English to reach the maximum number of people in the audience. “I shared the message of the census and it was exciting because people really understood the need for filling out the census.. – we are trying to make sure that everyone - especially this population where almost 50% of the population - failed to get counted in the last one. We need to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” Taveras said in a brief interview as performances continued.

Taveras said the King Holiday has a specific, positive connection to the census.

“Today is so important because Dr. King was so transformational in terms of our culture and who we are as a people,” Taveras says. “[Participation in the census is] our need for self-determination and self-empowerment. This holiday is what that means and being able to share that message with the next generations so that they too can continue carrying on that mantle and stand on the shoulders of the greats.”

The councilmember has made census participation a high priority of her office this year in an effort to raise Latino participation in the 2020 census [click here].

Keynote Speaker Jose Munoz, director of the Coalition for Community Schools and former pro football player, “I didn’t know who I was or how I fit in when I was growing up.” Munoz said of being the son of biracial heritage and an absentee father. “Dr. King’s words were a big influence to helping me get through it and they still are today,” he said.

“Remember that there are people who want to divide you and push you toward hate. But don’t let that happen,” he said.

Other highlights included Youth Champion Awards presentations for Syuri Smith, Alexandra Melinchok and Malia Wilson and the AmeriCorps presentation skit. The Buck Lodge Drummers, Next Generation contemporary dance, The Level Up Dance Crew and the Jolgono Danza Y Cajon Peruvian Dance performances lit up the audience. The Greenbelt City Starz Jump Rope Team applied high-energy dance with acrobat-like moves to produce an electric performance. Not to be left behind, Buck Lodge Principal Kenneth Nance dropped a rap jam, showing off his mic skills.

The program included workshops on topical issues including disaster relief in Puerto Rico, Census 2020 and bullying. The afternoon included interactive and educational activities aimed at encouraging young people – and their families – to get involved in their communities.