Toledoans lift voices to echo King's message

Members of the Toledo Interfaith Mass Choir, including from front left, Elaine Hunter, Marvin March, and Cerssandra McPherson, perform during the 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration in Savage Arena at the University of Toledo. THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY Enlarge | Photo Reprints

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s message of hope and promise that soared through the University of Toledo's Savage Arena Monday carried through not just in the usual speeches of prominent dignitaries, but ascended on the voices of the city's African-American youths.

Thoughtful songs, inspirational rap music, and soul-stirring choir performances all formed part of the harmonious offerings from talented young Toledoans at the city's annual Martin Luther King, Jr., unity celebration that brought out about 2,200 people.

The presentations in honor of the civil rights leader were an uplifting counterbalance to the months of youth-perpetrated gun violence that have plagued the community. Monday's performers at the almost two-hour event showcased a young face of Toledo that is engaged, accomplished, and concerned about the greater good.

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"I want to inspire people to wake up," said 17-year-old Brieyon McBride, who attends Whitmer High School and performed a rap song he composed himself. "Too many of us are sleeping on opportunities."

The budding artist, who aspires to start his own recording company, said he worries about the shootings on Toledo's streets.

His song, titled "Wake Up," encourages people to strive for success, and he said he hopes his wayward peers will listen. "It's just bad, and I don't want it to get worse," he said of the gun violence. "Go for your dreams. Actions speak louder than words."

It was a message articulated also by Toledo Mayor Mike Bell, who used his MLK Day speech to appeal to the city's parents and their offspring. Everybody has a job to do, the mayor said, and everyone must do their part to help curb the violence.

Najae' Pettaway, 10, and classmates from the Ella P. Stewart Academy for Girls in Toledo, recite an MLK pledge during the 11th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Celebration in Savage Arena at the University of Toledo, Monday, January 16, 2012. Boys from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy for Boys also recite a pledge. THE BLADE/DAVE ZAPOTOSKY Enlarge | Photo Reprints

"You need to step up and start paying attention to your kids," the mayor said as he addressed the adults in the room. Then he turned to the children: "You have a duty too. Your duty is to go to school and pay attention and be the best person that you can be. ... You are our economic future."

Other young performers included the newly formed Toledo Combined Youth Choir, made up of 10-to-25-year-olds from across the city, local singer and songwriter Pedi McFly, 26, and children from Martin Luther King, Jr., Elementary School, who recited a group pledge. Five University of Toledo students were presented with scholarships for academic and civic achievements.

Among the speakers were U.S, Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), University of Toledo President Dr. Lloyd Jacobs, United Way of Greater Toledo President Bill Kitson, and Hari Jones, curator for the African-American Civil War Museum in Washington, who gave the keynote address.

The Toledo Interfaith Mass Choir added jubilant gospel sounds to the occasion.

"This is the finest Martin Luther King celebration I have ever attended," Mr. Jones said. "I am humbled by the fact you have welcomed me into your home."

In addition to highlighting the needs and accomplishments of Toledo's youth, the event showcased the efforts of some adults who have labored to help them.

Trazon Harris, founder and director of the youth dance and drum corps JJ Express, received a Toledo Unity Award from Mayor Bell for her work in providing an artistic outlet for at-risk children in the city.

Ms. Harris, who founded JJ Express in 1989, said she strives to build young people's self-esteem and encourages them to do something positive with their lives. "I want them to be productive citizens," Ms. Harris said.

"There's so much hatred and negativity going on with these kids. I want to see them be a success."

Asked to give a diagnosis on the cause of the recent gun violence, Ms. Harris answered without hesitation: "They have nothing to do."

She said she is trying to find a permanent headquarters for JJ Express so she can help more children and offer them additional activities.

Antoinette Goodlove, director of the Toledo Combined Youth Choir, rejoiced in the success of the newly formed group, which enthralled the audience despite having only a handful of rehearsals.

"It starts with leadership," she said. "If the leadership is together … it will flow through to the group."

Ms. Goodlove said Toledoans need to keep faith in their young people.

"We have a lot of young people that are really doing some phenomenal things," she said. "They're all about positivity, despite all the negative things that are going on in our city."

Contact Claudia Boyd-Barrett at: cbarrett@theblade.com or 419-724-6272.