By: News 12 Long Island
(10/14/11) HEMPSTEAD
Long Islanders held a special tribute in Hempstead today ahead of Sunday’s official National Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial dedication in Washington, D.C.
The major theme of the gathering at the Antioch Baptist Church of Hempstead was Dr. King’s dream and whether it’s been realized on the Island and around the country.
Although many may feel the racism that Dr. King had fought against is now in the past, some say it is not so.
“Nassau County is still one of the most racist counties in America,” says Bishop Frank White, of the Nassau County Council of Clergy “There is still white flight when black folks move in.”
When asked what Dr. King would say about the world if he were alive today, some of the civil rights activists say he would have mixed emotions.
“We need to keep the fight and the struggle because there are still issues that need to be dealt with,” says Rev. Dr. Phillip Elliott, of Antioch Baptist Church.
Many of the people who gathered in Hempstead today say they will be at the memorial dedication Sunday.
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Unveiling of the Portrait of Ambassador Andrew Young
VKV was honored to be invited and attend the unveiling of the Portrait of Ambassador Andrew Young at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Sara Kane is pictured here with Ambassador Young, Martin Luther King, III and Rev. Peter Johnson and wife Delores. Ambassador Young is a champion of the Civil Rights Movement and has served as the Mayor of Atlanta, a Congressman, and United States Ambassador to the United Nations. He has also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ambassador Young was a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the Civil Rights Movement and was a friend and supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.