This weekend, observing Black History Month, the soulful singing voices of the Long Island community gather together for a musical celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. one of the greatest leaders of our time, who worked tirelessly for social justice.
On Sunday, February 5, at 4:30 p.m., the Lake Success Jewish Center in Great Neck will host “Standing Together as a Community Honoring the Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” The event will serve as a heartfelt musical tribute to the late Dr. King. Sunday afternoon will feature the talents of two highly regarded choirs: the Shireinu Choir of Long Island under the direction of Deborah Tartell and Free Will Baptist Church of Freeport Mass Choir under the direction of Reverend Anthony Brown and Reverend Lachrista Brown.
The event will also raise funds to help support The Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC) and the St. John’s Baptist Church of Westbury Food Pantry.
Judy Liman, a board member of HMTC explained Sunday’s “Standing Together as a Community” event will hear members of these choirs performing together to support love and peace through music. Liman explains that the mission of HMTC of Nassau County is to teach the history of the Holocaust and its lessons through education and community outreach. The center teaches about the dangers of antisemitism, racism, bullying and all manifestations of intolerance. “And that brings it all back to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is this inspirational leader, through his words and actions, who stood up to face adversity and has motivated generations to do the same.” His legacy reminds us to continue to be up-standers and to find ways to uplift and love our neighbors”.
The Shireinu Choir of Long Island was established in 2017 to celebrate Jewish culture and history through music, the choir features traditional and contemporary composers. Songs are sung in many languages: English, Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino and Italian, according to the choir’s director, Deborah Tartell. “Our members come from all over Long Island. In addition, we have members from Queens and Manhattan. While the choir focuses on Jewish Choral music, it is non- denominational and auditions those of all levels of faith and nationalities. In this Sunday’s concert, we have songs reflecting the term: Tikkun Olam: meaning repair the world. It is our responsibility to elevate and improve our communities, our world”.
Through Shireinu’s outreach, the Free Will Baptist Church of Freeport- Mass Choir, enthusiastically joined in participation of this event. The Choir is dedicated and committed to uplifting the people of God through song. Reverend LaChrista Brown comments that “No matter what language we speak, where we come from or what color we are, music proves: We are the same. We are one.”
The event’s featured speaker is nationally recognized educator and author, Dr. Anael Alston. Alston is currently the Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement in the New York State Education Department. Dr. Alston has been a staunch advocate for advancing the educational opportunities and support afforded to thousands of young men of color in New York State to improve their school and life outcomes. Alston has oversight of the historic ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ Alliance – created by President Barack Obama – to improve outcomes for boys and young men of color.”
“Standing Together as a Community” will be held at Lake Success Jewish Center located at 354 Lakeville Road in Great Neck, beginning at 4:30 PM. Tickets are $20 each. Call 516-466-0569 X 1 to purchase tickets or venmo @lsjc354.
