Living the Dream Partners Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Lega

On Monday, January 18, 2021, the Living the Dream Partners co-sponsored “Where Do We Go From Here?” – a virtual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration that aired online by Lowell Telemedia Center. The event raised $13,640 in support of students from both Middlesex Community College and UMass Lowell.

During the event, the Partners recognized two community members – one individual and one organization – who have dedicated their professional and personal lives to supporting citizens of Greater Lowell inspired by Dr. King’s beliefs. The 2021 Living the Dream Partners Award recipients included Carmen Bermudez and the Merrimack Valley Food Bank (MVFB).

Bermudez – who serves as pastor at Iglesia Trono Celestial and is the founder of Hope Dove Inc., both in Lowell – is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and those living in extreme poverty have a better quality of life. Calling the award an honor, Bermudez asks the community to commit to answering “life’s most persistent and urgent question” posed by Dr. King’s – “what are you doing for others?”

“I am deeply humbled to be recognized as a recipient of the Living the Dream Partners Award,” Bermudez said. “Dr. King tirelessly worked for a more equitable future for all – and this is the reason many of us are able to stand here today. Though we may have different backgrounds and experiences, we are united by our commitment to serve the community around us.”

The MVFB is a nonprofit that seeks to provide nutritious food and essential personal care items to emergency feeding programs for the low-income, homeless and hungry within the community. Their mission is to not only meet but satisfy people’s basic human needs in order to help individuals gain “freedom from hunger” – especially during the pandemic.

“Those food pantries, meal programs, senior centers and schools are on the frontlines and are providing not only food, but a sympathetic ear as well as other services including rental assistance and advice, healthcare, fuel assistance and referrals to help our neighbors navigate this uncharted territory,” a spokesperson for the MVFB said. “Thanks to our local, state and federal representatives, corporate, faith-based and academic partners, families currently seeking food can maintain their health through nutrition.”

Reginald Nichols, MCC’s Assistant Director of Human Resources, acted as emcee and emphasized the relevancy of the annual event started by Lura Smith and family 23 years ago.

“The events of 2020 – as well as the hate-filled attack on the capitol – have left the country divided and have shone a light on equity, civil rights and institutional racism,” Nichols said. “As we look towards the future, and begin this new year, it is more important than ever to reflect on and honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.”

The event featured a video message from Congresswoman Lori Trahan, a blessing from Rev. Heather Prince Doss from Eliot Presbyterian Church in Lowell, and a community reading of Dr. King’s speech “Where Do We Go From Here?”

Dancers from Donna Miceli Dance – with compliments of Lisa Pilato Dance Center – performed to “Glory” by John Legend and Common. The Free Soil Arts Collective partnered with MCC’s Performing Arts Chair Karen Oster to present “Act Free,” a short play in a series entitled “Towards An Anti-Racist Tomorrow.”

New Living the Dream Partner Enterprise Bank was also the Vision Maker sponsor of the event. The Dreamer sponsor was George and Carol Duncan, while Community Teamwork, Inc., Nancy L. Donahue, James C. and Judith G. Mabry, The Leap Network, Lowell Sun Charities, George and Nancy Robb and Trinity EMS were all Partner sponsors. The Center for Hope and Healing was also a new partner organization and sponsor participating this year.

Visit www.livingthedreampartners.org for more information about the Living the Dream Partners, volunteer opportunities in the community, sponsorship opportunities to go towards supporting student success, and next year’s MLK Event.

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