The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gets its annual celebration in Washington filled with glorious music and tributes to those who contributed to the betterment of others.
This year’s featured artist is Grammy Award-winner Natalie Cole. Stars of past concerts included Denyce Graves, Aaron Neville, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Bobby McFerrin, Smokey Robinson and Dionne Warwick.
Ms. Cole will be backed by the Let Freedom Ring Choir, led by music director Rev. Nolan Williams Jr., CEO of NEWorks productions (producers of inspirational music, concerts and programming) and Festival Artistic Director, Mann Center for the Performing Arts, who has been a major influence on the shows for many years. The choir of 125 voices comprises members of his own church choir, students and faculty of Georgetown University, as well as singers from the wider community.
“The most important consideration when choosing music for these occasions is the relevance of Dr. King’s messages and his dream,” Rev. Williams told The Washington Times. “This year my aim is to make his message relevant at a time when we are dealing with the human situations in Ferguson, New York and other places. There is no way to have a celebration without giving voice to these events.”
To open the program that highlights the 50th anniversary of voting rights, he will lead the choir in his own composition, “I’ve Got a Right to Vote.” The dramatic work incorporates eight voices from the 19th century to the present, beginning with Frederick Douglass and culminating with Ruth Bader Ginsburg, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
“The voices are spoken by eight students from Georgetown University,” he said. “I’m excited about this number because it sets the stage for the rest of the evening, with dancers in the aisles along with the magnificent singing.
“The music throughout the program will uplift the audience. Some of the key numbers Natalie Cole will sing are ’Our Love,’ by Fats Waller, ’Oh Happy Day,’ an 18th century American hymn arranged by Edwin Hawkins and, of course, the arrangement of ’We Shall Overcome’ that premiered on the Kennedy Center stage at the 1996 MLK Memorial concert sung by opera star Denyce Graves.”
Each year, the tribute to King includes recognition of someone who exemplifies his spirit by working to eliminate poverty. This year’s recipient of the 13th annual John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award is George Jones, the chief executive of Bread for the City, a Washington, D.C., organization that aids low-income residents.
“It’s an honor to receive this award on Dr. King’s birthday,” Mr. Jones said. “It reminds me of all the people who have contributed to the needy over the years. Bread for the City is a real team effort with thousands of volunteers who help low-income families. Someone who comes looking for food may be surprised to learn that we also offer clothing, medical and social services.
“Our most daunting task is obtaining funds to cover those services. When I began this position in 1996, we had to find $1 million. Each year since, we’ve had to push it up. Now we need 10 million just to stay with our mission and not overreach. The greatest support — 70 percent — comes from private sources. Corporations provide from 5 [percent] to 10 percent. The local D.C. government provides health care services, and the rest comes from the public.”
Mr. Jones was inspired to devote his life to helping the less fortunate by his mother, a nurse, and the experience of growing up as a child of the 1960s impacted by the civil rights spirit. He hopes that individuals and companies reading about the show will go to the organization’s website, www.breadforthecity.org, to contribute online, or call 202-265-2400 to donate or volunteer.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: “Let Freedom Ring” musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. presented by the Kennedy Center and Georgetown University
WHERE: Kennedy Center Concert Hall
WHEN: Monday at 6 p.m.
INFO: Two free tickets distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis at the entrance to the Hall of Nations, beginning at 5 p.m.
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