It was Sunday before I realized the time had finally come! The activities we always look forward to each year were here - MLK, celebrating unity.The community of Mesa pulled together making it possible to include the MLK parade as part of the 19th annual celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Attending the breakfast this morning at the Mesa Marriott Hotel was in itself a real treat. Seeing friends gather, recognizing familiar faces, getting acquainted with new participants - it makes one stop and realize how valuable it really is to be in the midst of colleagues that represent so many walks off life.Dr. King’s "I’ve Been To The Mountain Top" and "I Have a Dream" still has the power as it was intended initially. I’m certain everyone could relate in one way or another - efforts of justice and equality not fully realized - yet hope was heard and felt in the voices as we sang "We shall overcome."Dr. Joyce E. Tucker, Vice President, Global Diversity and Employee Rights, The Boeing Company - was the honored speaker - all she had to say was inclusive, relevant, and hit the mark with a powerful message.Spirit of Unity Awards 2007 went to Tillie Peralta, Community Leader, Andrea Murphy, Educator of the Year, Westwood High School - teaching her students to respect differences and was instrumental in guiding the students who actively raised money for the MLK parade, earning the next two awards. Rasheed Mitchell, Westwood HS Senior, who led students in this effort which led to the award Honoring Schools for Teaching Social Justice: Westwood HS Y Achievers Club.Some of the sponsors that made elements possible: Customer Funding.com, Inc., Parade $9,000 –The Boeing Co., Freedom $10,000 — AZ Federal Credit Union, The Mesa Tribune, Dream $3000+ — SRP, Superstition Springs Lexus/Toyota, Unity $2000 – Ford Motor Co., Steve Hogan, Rochaum Smith - Spirit $1000I didn’t see my friend John Goodie, Parade Committee Chair who started the ball rolling, was of course out getting the parade ready to roll. It was great seeing and talking to those I haven’t seen in awhile like Everette Woods, VP MLK Board, the Honorable Rich Crandall, Mary Berumen, Mesa Diversity Office, Amy & Nathan Ricks & Gloria Chavez LTD board members and as I joined the MAHC table - board members Maria Mancinas, Pat Esparza, Maria Munoz, David Luna & wife, Carmen, and Napoleon Pisano. Many more I did not get to talk to!The Mesa MLK Board of Directors, Committee Members, and those that were part of the presentation including Mesa Mayor Keno Hawker - did an excellent job, I felt unified!
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