A luncheon commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held on January 20 at the Bellport Golf Club in Farmingville, New York. The event was organized as a "Day of Service" and featured Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico as the presiding official. He expressed gratitude to co-hosts Hon. Valerie Cartright, a Supreme Court Justice, and Marvin Colson from the Brookhaven Town Branch of the NAACP for their assistance in organizing the annual gathering.
Faith Baptist Church and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. were also acknowledged for their contributions, along with special recognition given to "Dare to Dream Community Outreach" for its role as a community sponsor. The Rho Omega Zeta Chapter played a key part in organizing the program themed “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365.” Entertainment included performances by the Faith Baptist Church Choir under Rev. Diane Jones.
The event drew over 350 attendees comprising children, teens, and adults who participated in various activities such as inspiring readings, liturgical dance performances, and musical selections that celebrated Dr. King's dedication to nonviolence and justice.
In collaboration with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico along with Town Council members assembled care packages for those in need, embodying Dr. King's belief in service's potential to enhance communities.
Photographs captured moments from the event including one featuring Amani Khan; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig; Councilman Neil Manzella; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; co-host Hon. Valerie Cartright Lorraine Mazza Kuehn; Cheryl Felice; Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay; and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle. Another photo showed Town Supervisor Dan Panico with guests at the luncheon.