Ms. Rukaiyah Adams, Chief Investment Officer of Meyer Memorial Trust and Chair of the Oregon Investment Council, will deliver the keynote address. The following community leaders will be recognized: Dr. W. Bryan Gibbs, OHSU, who helped us understand that gun violence is a public health issue; Mr. Donald Dixon, who has been a leader in public education and programs for young African-American men; Rotary of Portland Peace Builders Committee, who are also responsible for planting “Peace Poles” around the Region; Don Mazziotti, Homer Williams, and Lisa Marandas, who lead the “Harbor of Hope” serving the houseless community around the Region; renown Portland gospel pianist and organist Bobby Garnett; the Gospel Music Worshop of America-NW; and Pastor Herman and Pastor Nike Greene of Abundant Life Church, who also do police training and support young people at Roosevelt High School.
The following high schools have been adopted and they each will select the senior in high school who will receive a “Student Humanitarian” award, which is accompanied with a scholarship: Jefferson, Rosemary Anderson, POIC, DeLaSalle North Catholic, Second Home, Helensview.
About the Event: The annual Drum Major Celebration is a two-day event honoring some of the City’s most promising students and most venerable leaders dedicated to humanitarianism, social justice, equity, and civil service. Hosted and sponsored by Portland’s historic Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church, the celebration is scheduled for the weekend immediately prior to Martin Luther King Junior Day. The Salute to Greatness scholarship and civic awards luncheon will take place on Saturday, January 18, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall, while the Empower the Dream interfaith gathering and speaker series will take place on Sunday, January 19, in the Church Sanctuary, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The public is encouraged to attend both programs and donations are encouraged for both events. All donation proceeds go to the Drum Major Scholarship Fund to support future scholarship awards. If one can’t afford the donation, it will not be a barrier to entry.
For more information, please contact the church at (503) 282-9496, or visit www.vafbcpdx.org.
