Catharine Street Community Center Holds 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie High School Senior, Hope T. Tangunu, sees Martin Luther King Jr. as more than a hero.

“To me, he’s a superhero,” affirmed Tangunu. “He has affected lives all over the world, including mine.”

That powerful impact was evident in the poise, articulation, and confidence Tangunu displayed as he spoke to a large crowd inside Poughkeepsie’s Civic Center Friday morning at the 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast. Tangunu was one of four honorees, two youth, selected by the host agency, The Catharine Street Community Center at the Hudson Valley’s largest MLK celebration.

Tangunu, born in Cameroon in Africa, faced much adversity at a young age. Despite the obstacles placed in his path, he continued to persevere.

“All my life, I’ve been pushing forward, adapting,” said Tangunu, who aspires to become a physical therapist. “It’s what life is all about.”

That very message resonated throughout the morning. As guests entered, they were treated to the music selections by Rayford Watkins (2006 MLK Honoree) along with the Spirit of Unity Musicians. Excerpts from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech as well as prayers and reflections could also be heard. Soon after, the program kicked off with comments by two local political dignitaries, Marc Molinaro and Robert Rolison.

“Dr. King reminds us that the time is always right to do the right thing,” stressed Dutchess County Executive Molinaro. Citing the dire need for help to the poor, disabled and mentally ill as well as others, Molinaro continually referred back to King, as he emphasized the importance of helping in any way.

Poughkeepsie City Mayor Rolison, further spoke of ways King’s legacy can be remembered and actively followed here in Dutchess County, as well as all over, today.

“Dr. King told us that faith is taking that first step even when we don’t see the whole staircase,” said Rolison. “Those of us here, even when we don’t see that whole staircase, let’s take that first step together.”

People who have taken those steps, even leaps at time, that Dr. King urged people to pursue, were next recognized. The presentation of the Richard K. Wager Inclusive Champion Award went to the Latin American Motorcycle Association, Empire State Chapter. In addition to Tanguno, another Poughkeepsie High School senior, Ayo S. Opuiyo, was recognized for her efforts to keep Dr. King’s Dream alive.

“I can relate to Dr. King because of his ideas on non-violence,” said Opuiyo, whose parents both hail from Nigeria. “I try not to take what people do personally; I don’t know what they are going through in their lives.”

Two community leaders, Adrian “Butch” Anderson and Dr. Dennis J. Murray were also honored.

Anderson, Sheriff of Dutchess County, echoed the words of Molinaro and Rolison.

“Give someone a handshake, a smile, just care,” said Anderson. “Do something.”

Murray, the former President of Marist College, pointed to the active gestures of giving displayed right here in Dutchess County by the Catharine Street Community Center, who serves Poughkeepsie’s neediest residents with academic readiness programs for their youth.

“They are an example of a place doing good work quietly for the less fortunate,” said Murray.
Concluding the laden-filled activity agenda was the program’s guest speaker. This year, it was Maurice DuBois, the co-anchor for CBS News. A veteran in the field, who has worked for a host of impressive programs on various networks, while accruing several awards and recognitions, Mr. DuBois, initiated his talk with outrage at some early career dealings in his career with discrimination, alluding to the “famous” discriminatory remarks made by Jimmy the Greek.

“I have always had an intolerance for hate,” emphasized DuBois. “I wonder what Dr. King would think about what’s going on today; we find ourselves in a very strange place with the truth.”

After referencing the popularity of his disdain for “fake news” that appears to be permeating our society and distorted sense of reality, DuBois pressed for the critical need to keep alive what is real, while saluting the many who still exist in the media field, diligently working to present that seemingly elusive truth to the public…at all costs.

Citing incidents of colleagues and others who have literally put their lives on the line, pursuing that truth, DuBois maintains hope in an industry that has become diluted for some.

“Correspondents who do this work deserve our respect,” said DuBois, passionate about his work and profession. “Think about it: the news business is a business, and if we got it wrong, we would be out of business.” Reflecting further, he added, “Free press, free democracy-think about it-without those things, what would we have?”