Working with the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is fantastic. The people that I work with directly and the staff are so nice, helpful and just overall fabulous.  This is my third time covering an event for them.

Each time I hear the most amazing speeches that are inspirational, and make you want to get up and do something. Then there’s the inspirational singing from Rev. Stefanie Minatee’s Jubilation Choir . As one who also sings with my church, and loves it, I could listen to them all day. If I knew the words, I would’ve sang too(not really but you know what I mean LOL). They also have this amazing jazz group, NJPAC’s Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens that perform while everyone is getting settled, eating, being social before the ceremony begins.

The honorees on this night were:
Deborah Smith-Gregory, President, Newark NAACP,  received the Steward of the Dream Award.

Reverend Ronald Slaughter, the Senior Pastor, Saint. James AME Church received the Visionary of the Future Award.

Philip S. Thomas, the Founder of NJPAC Arts Education, was the Elders Council Inductee.

After the reception, everyone went into the Prudential Hall where it was a packed house, as singers, Mary Mary and Tasha Cobbs performed onstage to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King.

I am very honored to be a part of these events, I meet great people and I am in awe of the company that attends. Thank you for letting me cover this again.

Rev. Stefanie Minatee’s Jubilation Choir  singing the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice.

Ms. Donna Walker-Kuhne, Vice President, Community Engagement, New Jersey Performing Arts Center





PSE&G Vice President – State Governmental Affairs, Rick Thigpen.

President and CEO of NJPAC, John Schreiber.

The Mayor Of Newark, Ras Baraka spoke.















Here’s Mr. Schreiber and Ms. Walker-Kuhne, along with Carmen Samuel, Associate Producer, Community Engagement at NJPAC, presenting Philip S. Thomas, the Founder of NJPAC Arts Education, as an Elders Council Inductee.

Rev. Stefanie Minatee’s Jubilation Choir 


























1rst Vice President of the Newark, NJ NAACP Chapter, Kathleen Turpin Merrit.





Here’s Mrs. Slaughter and Ms. Walker-Kuhne presenting Reverend Ronald Slaughter, the Senior Pastor, Saint. James AME Church received the Visionary of the Future Award.











Barbara Abdur-Razzaq speaks and introduces her friend, Honoree, Deborah Smith-Gregory.






Deborah Smith-Gregory, President, Newark NAACP,  receives the Steward of the Dream Award, presented to her by Donna Walker-Kuhne.

Deborah Smith-Gregory gives Reverend Reverend Ronald Slaughter and Philip S. Thomas with candles to maintain the light and unity.