The Internation House of Blues Foundation’s Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration was full of life, incredible talent, and inspiring thoughts. Four-time Grammy award winning singer/songwriter and Dallas’ own Erykah Badu kicked off the event by addressing the packed main theater.
Erykah Badu
“Fear can no longer be a part of the way we operate,” said Badu.
Her talent for singing translated beautifully to her speaking voice. She was lovely, eloquent, and inspiring, reminiscing on both the accomplishments of King as well as the current achievements made by President Obama on the day of his inauguration.
“President Obama, who we are very proud of, makes me know that my son could be president, or my daughter could be president, he gives us that encouragement,” said Badu, “But we’re not done. We have to continue to operate on a high frequency of love.”
Badu’s speech was followed by musical, oratory, dance and visual art presentations by students from Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary, the Dallas Black Dance Academy, Edward H. Cary Middle School, Thriving Minds After-School Program, Triple A Academy, and more. The students were encouraged to use King’s life and words as well as his continuing influence on contemporary life as inspiration for their visual or performance artwork.
Aolani Hill
Adults are usually forced to observe student presentations with a grain of salt; this was not the case at “Inspired By His Words.” From the tiny Aolani Hill and her big voice, to the stunning young performers of the Dallas Black Dance Academy, the children were passionate, talented, moving, and entirely entertaining.
It was a remarkable celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and wonderful place to commemorate how far we’ve come.
Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Senior Performing Ensemble
Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble
Dallas Black Dance Academy’s Junior Performing Ensemble
Thriving Minds After-School Program
For more photos from the Inspired By His Words event, head to our Flickr account.
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Caitlin Clark is the Arts & Entertainment and Style Writer and Social Media Director for YouPlusDallas. Follow her on Twitter at @caitlinclark
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