Chairman John Graves, Rev. Jesse Jackson guest, Honoree/recording artist KEM (photo provided)
DETROIT — Rainbow PUSH Coalition founder and civil rights leader, Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., hosted the “Let Freedom Ring,” a free public event, on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. at the historic Fox Theatre. Six individuals whose work have shined a light on humanity and expounded the life of Dr. King were honored.
The recipients included Rabbi Daniel Syme, emeritus leader of Temple Beth El and Bishop Charles Ellis, III, senior pastor of Greater Grace Temple, with both receiving the Theological Leadership Award for their spiritual guidance and love of humanity; Rev. JoAnn Watson,senior pastor of West Side Unity Church and former executive director of Detroit Branch NAACP received the Social Justice Award for her long-time activism; and Shamayim “Mama Shu ” Harris, a Highland Park advocate for the forgotten, received the Humanitarian Award for her community compassion through numerous social programs.
Blake Corum, the phenomenal running back of the University of Michigan received the inaugural Collegiate Social Service Award for his contributions off the gridiron through the Giving Back 2 Give Thanks program in underserved communities. Corum used personal NIL funds to purchase turkeys in Ypsilanti, Michigan.
Kem, Detroit’s iconic vocalist, was lauded for his commitment in bringing awareness to homelessness. “As an unlikely member of this fraught community, he penned “It’s a Matter of Time,” and juxtaposed the homeless mission on Mack and Third to front street. He fed the homeless and raised funds for that community,” said Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr, founder and president of Rainbow Push Coalition. ” We felt that it was a matter of time that we honored him. We are so glad that Kem found his way home. He has touched so many and we love him dearly.”
Chairman John Graves summarized Kem’s life through the artistic prism of Richard Ellison’s novel, Invisible Man who wrote, “I am invisible and understand simply because people refuse to see me.” Through Kem’s music, he persuaded society to look at homelessness through an impartial lens, and we are better because of it.”
Previous Let Freedom Ring Award recipients have included Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Wayne County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery, “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, Congressman John Conyers, Detroit News Publisher Jonathan Wolman and others.
Grammy-award winning artist Howard Hewett headlined this year’s entertainment, with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Youth Ensembles and the Dr. Martin Luther King High School Dance Workshop providing artistic gifts of music and dance. Several elected officials shared remarks on the solemn, yet celebratory day, including Mayor Mike Duggan, Senator Gary Peters, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congresswoman Rashida Talib, Congressman Shri Thanedar and Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, II.
In the spirit of Dr. King, Pastor Solomon Kinloch of Triumph Church delivered an opening message at this year’s celebration. Through his spiritually- based ministry, he pastors the fastest growing church in Michigan.
“Detroit has always had a special place in our collective long walk to equity and justice,” added Jackson, “in spite of Dr. King’s death, his truths are still marching on.”
The event was free to the public,
Photos provided.
