Portland church to host Malcolm X's daughter for MLK Day

The Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church will celebrate two days of Martin Luther King Jr. events.

A local church will honor community leaders, distribute scholarships to promising high school students and host local and national speakers during a two-day celebration commemorating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Portland's historic Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church has organized the annual Drum Major Celebration for the past 13 years, and this year's slate of activities will honor some of the Rose City's most venerable leaders dedicated to humanitarianism, social justice, equity and civil service.

"In times like these, it is imperative that we gather as community to work together, celebrate together, and collaborate together to ensure a vibrant, inclusive, and constructive future," said Pastor J.W. Matt Hennessee, Senior Servant at First Baptist, in an announcement.

Here's a look at what's planned:

Saturday, Jan. 19

The Salute to Greatness awards and scholarship luncheon will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at the New Song Community Church Fellowship Hall, located at 2511 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Lakayana Drury, a social studies teacher at Rosemary Anderson High, will deliver the keynote address. Community leaders including the Rev. W. Mark Knutson and Andrew and Hermann Colas, will be honored, as well as seniors attending DeLaSalle North Catholic, Helensview, Jefferson, Rosemary Anderson, Roosevelt and Second Home schools.

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Sunday, Jan. 20

It is only fitting that Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church — the only place of worship in Oregon visited by Dr. King during his November, 1961 trip to the Northwest — will now serve as venue for another speaker making her first-ever appearance here.

Ambassador Attalah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of the late Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz, will give a keynote speech on the theme "Now is the Time!" during the event from 2 to 4 p.m. at the church, located at 3138 N. Vancouver Ave.

Shabazz, also an actress and author, was appointed an at-large, life-time ambassador for peace by Belize prime minister Said Musa in 2002.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, interfaith leaders and other public officials will also deliver brief remarks, and the Pacific Youth Choir directed by Mia Hall will perform.

How to attend

The public is invited to attend both programs, and is asked to donate $25 per event or $45 for both, with all proceeds going to the Drum Major Scholarship Fund.

If you cannot afford a donation, you will not be turned away. To secure a free ticket, visit the Vancouver Avenue church from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or call 503-282-9496 or ask at the door.

Pastor Hennessee added: "The spirit and legacy of Dr. King, Mrs. King, Mrs. Parks, President Mandela, Malcolm X and so many who came before us is what gives us encouragement and hope that we will overcome the difficulties, stresses, and strains of now and continue to build the 'Beloved Community.'"