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North Branford students, volunteers highlighted at 41st MLK breakfast; two poetry winners named
Summary
At the Martin Luther King Heritage Foundation’s 41st annual breakfast, two North Branford High School juniors won poetry scholarships and community volunteers received awards; organizers also described local memorials and volunteer programs.
The Martin Luther King Heritage Foundation of North Branford presented student poetry awards, community tributes and volunteer recognitions at its 41st annual MLK breakfast on Jan. 19 at North Branford High School.
Judith Liebman, North Branford’s poet laureate, introduced two junior winners. Gabby Silva read her poem ‘‘The Weight of the Dream,’’ and Beulah Anagayaku read ‘‘The Nile.’’ Organizers said both poems were judged strong enough to merit scholarships; Liebman noted the students’ contributions to the school literary magazine and music program.
Gabby Silva’s poem reflected on memory and legacy, with lines about the difficulty of keeping a dream alive. Beulah Anagayaku’s reading used water imagery to describe historical erasure: ‘‘I swam past stories they tried to bury,’’ she read, concluding that silence can mask ongoing harm.
The foundation also presented community awards. Jane Beeman delivered a tribute to the late Colin Rouse, who helped found the local MLK foundation and served Saint Stephen’s AME Zion Church for decades. Frank Currano accepted a community service award and described his admiration for Dr. King; Marcel Applewhite led a surprise recognition for longtime volunteer Margo, who received the 'Keeping the Dream Alive' award for years of behind-the-scenes work.
Organizers described local civic displays and programs: a Peace Pole at the Board of Education office (184 Damascus Road at the Walsh Intermediate School) with inscriptions in multiple languages and a 24-hour light, and the foundation’s "Meals for the Mind" discussion series for community conversation. Board president Mary thanked volunteers, noted growing attendance despite snowy weather and asked for more volunteers and board members.
The breakfast closed with clergy remarks, a benediction and the song 'We Shall Overcome.'
