MLK Celebration at Oakwood Common Spans Generations

From Studio 313: Laughter and tears were combined with joy and hope among those attending and participating in the Remembrance Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Oakwood Common senior living community in Dearborn. The event was open to residents, staff and guests.

The Henry Ford College chorus, led by Kevin Dewey, performed familiar songs of the American Civil Rights Movement, including “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” and “We Shall Overcome.”

Oakwood Common residents Maude Todd and Otherie Love read well known excerpts from speeches and writings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

These were followed by energetic and inspiring performances of African American dances by the youth troupe of LaShelle’s School of Dance in Oak Park, Michigan.

“Their final dance about the Civil Rights struggle moved me to tears,” said Beth Rager, an Oakwood Common resident who recently returned to Michigan after living more than 40 years in Arlington, Virginia. “What a wonderful performance.”

Guest speaker Donnell White, executive director of NAACP Detroit branch, commented that the Oakwood Common intergenerational event of all races and backgrounds clearly reflected what the civil rights leader envisioned when he spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C, on August 28, 1963.

Shavon Baker, Oakwood Common’s activities supervisor, organized the remembrance celebration and closed the event with prayer and a quote from Martin Luther King, Jr., “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be.”

“When I looked around the room, you could see and feel how much this special celebration impacted everyone,” said Donna Brandt, sales manager for Oakwood Common, who took pictures and video of the event.

About Oakwood Common

Oakwood Common, a Beaumont community, offers one and two bedroom senior living apartments located at 16351 Rotunda Drive, within a beautiful 29-acre community that includes exquisite landscaping, nature trails and scenic views along the historic Rouge River Gateway in Dearborn. Oakwood Common apartments, available with flexible payment options, offer exceptional amenities for independent living and can be readily customized. Assisted living and a comprehensive rehabilitation and skilled nursing center, part of Beaumont Health, are also available for those with additional needs. For more information and to arrange tours, call 800-642-4663 or visit here.

Photos courtesy of Oakwood Common:

(Photo 1) Donnell White, executive director of the NAACP Detroit branch and guest speaker at Oakwood Common’s Remembrance Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

(Photo 2) Residents, staff and guests filled the Rotunda Room at Oakwood Common for the event.

(Photo 3) Members of the youth troupe from LaShelle’s School of Dance.

(Photo 4) Kevin Dewey leads the Henry Ford College Chorus in musical selections from the American Civil Rights Movement.