25th Annual Dr. King Series Continues at Library

By Jennifer L. Warren

GARRISON – The show must go on, and so it did, virtually on Monday, January 17.

For the 25th year, the Annual Martin Luther King Day Series, typically taking place at Garrison’s Desmond-Fish Library, continued to pay tribute to the Civil Rights icon, Dr. King. This year’s virtual, musical venue, celebrating King’s 93rd birthday, was coordinated by Garrison resident and acclaimed performer, Goldee Greene, who was assisted by her dear, long-time friend, pianist, Tom McCoy.

Dubbed, “Songs of Harmony Strife and Spirit,” the hour long salute featured a wide range of music genres, containing still very relevant themes which King advocated for and lived by during his accomplished life, relentlessly pursuing equality, justice and peace by non-violent means.

“I am thrilled to present a program reflecting the bitter sweetness of the life and times of this great, empowering man, Martin Luther King,” said the Juilliard School-trained and award-winning vocalist and performer Greene. “My collaborator and dear friend, Tom McCoy, and I are both highly enthusiastic to have the opportunity to present this diverse selection of songs.” She added, “How wonderful it would be to interact with a live audience, but thank goodness for virtual options.”

Despite the in-person absence, there was still plenty of communicating happening as well as connections being made between the musical duo and their impressive number of guests. Comments such as; “beautiful,” “What a wonderful tribute,” and “I’m so happy to be able to enjoy this lovely concert from the comfort of my home,” filled up the chat box on the lower right corner of the computer screen, clearly revealing the audience’s appreciation.

After McCoy initiated the night with a piano soloist number, Greene then joined in, dynamically delivering renditions from such legendary performers as; Stevie Wonder, Bessie Smith, Eubie Blake and George Frederick Handel. Ancient African American Spirituals also provided the audience an opportunity to join in from home. Meanwhile, interspersed between the songs Greene provided moving words about the man of the hour, Dr. King.

“Dr. King inspired so many others to act; whether it was walking with him and protesting or doing something else, he helped create change,” said Greene. “We need to continue to remember all that he did as well as others who were impacted by him, such as the many people who lost their lives getting other people the right to vote during the time of the Voting Rights Act.”

Greene also offered words about the unfairness and anger so many experienced during Dr. King’s time and how critical it is that we all possess empathy for others. Each song presented encapsulated those pearls, as did one of her closing numbers, Stevie Wonder’s “You and I,” celebrating the priceless love Dr. King shared with his wife Coretta.
“I can just imagine him singing this song to her.” Said Greene.

As the comments, including heart and clapping emojis, continued to flood the chat box section of the screen, and the hour closed in, Greene reminded guests once again, that regardless of everything happening in the world now and how challenging it is to physically be together, the memory of Dr. King must and will live on, and by what better vehicle than the soothing, healing, bonding vehicle of music.

“We are so very passionate about celebrating this man’s life,” Greene told listeners. “Remember Dr. King, and the love he had for others as well as the love we have for him.”