I attended the 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Leaders’ Breakfast sponsored by the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc. Each year, the colleges and universities in the area take turns hosting the event. 
This year, it was the turn of my alma mater, Old Dominion University. Although the event is held at 7:30am, it was a full house at the Ted Constant Convocation Center, with about 600 attendees, among them Delegate Brian Moran of Alexandria.
Seated at the head table were (L-R) Edith White, President of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Thomas Hasty, a member of the Board of Directors, Governor Tim Kaine, ODU President Dr. Roseann Runte, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim, Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf, NSU President Dr. Carolyn Meyers, and TCC President Dr. Deborah DiCroce. (Not shown far right Rev. Berkley Ford and far left Rev. Reginald Woodhouse.)
The program got off to a tremendous start with the recitation of Dr. King’s “I Have a
Dream” speech by four boys from the Dreamkeepers Academy in Norfolk. The boys – all 5th graders – had the audience spellbound as they uttered the words first heard so long ago. They were rewarded with thunderous applause and a standing ovation. Unfortunately, I did not get their performance recorded.
The keynote speaker for the event was Governor Kaine. The performance by the boys from The Dreamkeepers Academy was a tough act to follow, but Kaine did well. Ever mindful of the upcoming 400th anniversary, Kaine spoke of two instances in which Dr. King referred to Jamestown in his speeches. You can listen to his speech or download here.
Kaine was unable to stay for breakfast as he had another engagement. After breakfast, Community Service Awards were presented to Bev Sell, Southeastern Virginia Arts Association, and the Tidewater Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen.
Near the end of the program, we sang “We Shall Overcome.” I watched as Mayor Oberndorf, Dr. Meyers and Dr. DiCroce crossed their arms to hold the hands of those on either side of them, just like the marchers used to do.
A good time was had by all.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 