On Monday, January 16, 2024, the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit served as the backdrop for an extraordinary celebration as Rainbow PUSH hosted the “Let Freedom Ring” event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This free public gathering functioned as a tribute to the legacy of Dr. King, honoring luminaries whose remarkable deeds have echoed his commitment to social justice and equality.
Jonathan Jackson, U.S. House of Representatives and son of Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., set the tone for the evening by expressing the significance of recognizing individuals whose actions mirror Dr. King’s dream. These remarkable individuals have been advocates for social justice, and their actions stand as living evidence that Dr. King’s dream endures.
Among the distinguished recipients of the Let Freedom Ring awards were Judge Greg Mathis and “Big Sean,” both honored with the Keep Hope Alive Award. Bishop John Drew Sheard, presiding bishop of 6 million COGIC members, received the Theological Leadership Award, while Maha Freij, president and CEO of ACCESS, and Amy Nederlander, co-founder of L!fe Leaders, were acknowledged with the Social Service Award.
Huel Perkins, former news anchor in Detroit, took on the role of the event’s emcee. The president and CEO of Rainbow Push, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, made a virtual appearance to extend a warm welcome to attendees. Video tributes honoring Dr. King were played throughout the evening, serving as poignant reminders of his enduring impact and aspirations for American society.
A touching moment of the evening was the posthumous presentation of the Rainbow Push Humanitarian Award to Harry Belafonte, the internationally-acclaimed actor and singer who was a close friend of Dr. King. Belafonte’s life exemplified a commitment to humanity, challenging the world to focus on the needs of the marginalized. Another posthumous honor went to Rev. Dr. Charles G. Adams, a prophetic preacher and civil rights advocate whose influence extended beyond the pulpit to leadership roles in the Detroit Branch NAACP and the Progressive National Baptist Convention.
The event also featured the gifts of dance and music, which were provided by Dr. Martin Luther King High School Dance Workshop and Cass Technical High School Ensembles, emphasizing the cultural richness of the occasion. Errol Service Jr. delivered an artistic tribute to Harry Belafonte, adding a creative dimension to the celebration.
As the Fox Theatre resonated with echoes of freedom, justice, and equality, the “Let Freedom Ring” event stood as a testament to the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and the ongoing commitment to realizing his dream.
Photo Gallery credit: Porsha Monique for rolling out
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- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. High School Dance workshop
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- Jonathan Jackson (Photo Credit: Porsha Monique for Rolling Out.)
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- Senator Debbie Stabenow (Photo Credit: Porsha Monique for Rolling Out.)
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- Cass Tech Chorale Ensemble
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- (L-R) Jonathan Jackson, Myra Johnson, Chairman John Graves, Rainbow Push, Big Sean (Photo credit: Porsha Monique for rolling out)
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- (L-R) Jonathan Jackson, Chairman John Graves, Rainbow Push, Myra Anderson, Big Sean (Photo credit: Porsha Monique for rolling out)
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- (L-R) Jonathan Jackson, Honoree Judge Greg Mathis and Chairman John Graves, Rainbow Push (Photo credit: Porsha Monique for rolling out)
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- Grammy Award Winning Kierra Sheard Kelly (Photo credit: Porsha Monique for rolling out)
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- Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Sr. (Photo credit: Porsha Monique for rolling out)
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- Chairman John Graves, Rainbow Push (Photo credit: Porsha Monique for rolling out)
