The Pakistani American Community Excellence, a Long Island-based community organization, held an event to commemorate Martin Luther Jr Day at a restaurant in Hicksville.
“Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who worked across racial, religious, and economic lines to promote justice and equity,” said PACE president Saeed Hasan while speaking at the event. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national holiday marking the birthday of the civil rights leader and to honor his life and legacy.
Hasan said PACE organized the event to honor the life of Dr. King, whom he called a hero whose vision for civil rights and social justice “still inspires hope and change today.”
He added that without the legacy of MLK, PACE and other organizations of Color would not have existed and immigration in this country would have been impacted differently. “This event has shown that we still have a lot of work to do, and we must continue working together to support racial justice and equity for all.”
In attendance was Keynote Speaker, Risco Mention-Lewis Deputy Police Commissioner of Suffolk County Police Department, who reminded the attendees of the many voices that carry the same message that Dr. King called for– an end to violence against people of all color, voting rights for all people and economic and racial justice.
A sizeable number of community members attended the event. Also in attendance were Thomas Joy from the Suffolk County Police, Errol Akyurek from New York Turkish American Center, Hassan Raja Trustee from the Brentwood School District, Marc Soto Director of YES, Mian Shahid for MDQ and many others. The participants expressed their resolve to unite and continue the legacy of Dr. MLK Jr. to never accept societal banes, such as racial discrimination, violence, war, and massive economic disparities.
In the end, Hasan thanked the participants, saying the motto of PACE is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and it will always follow these objectives.
(Photos courtesy PACE)