Monday, Jan. 15, Portsmouth’s South Church
PORTSMOUTH, NH – For the first time since 2020 the Seacoast NAACP will host its traditional Martin Luther King Day pancake breakfast and celebration, beginning at 8:30 am, Jan. 15, at South Church, 292 State St. The breakfast, first held in the early 1980s, was suspended because of COVID-19. “Dr. King’s hopes are still our hopes,” said Sandi Clark Kaddy, chair of the breakfast organizing committee. “There are things today he would be extremely proud of, and other things that would disappoint him. This breakfast is a way to share our love and share our hope.” The event, with a program of music and spoken word following breakfast, is free and open to the public, although donations will be collected to help cover costs. Assistant Mayor Joanna Kelley, will offer the keynote address. Performances include gospel singer/musician Nate Scott, and spoken word artist Chenelle Physic, both Boston-based entertainers; and Jennifer Rachele, of the New Hampshire band, Kouchera. Scott, according to Clark “set the house on fire” with his music during a past MLK Day concert. In addition, Seacoast actor Kevin Wade Mitchell will perform MLK’s Noble Peace Prize acceptance speech and a tour of Portsmouth African Burying Ground Memorial will be offered at 12:30 pm, following the breakfast celebration. Rev. Bob Thompson, president of the NAACP Seacoast, will preside over the event. Along with that organization, breakfast sponsors include Black Lives Matter-Seacoast, Jukwaa Mazoa, Seacoast African American Culture Center and the Black Heritage Trail of New Hampshire. Almost immediately after the 1968 murder of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., a movement began to make his birthday, Jan. 15, a holiday. The movement grew, slowly, but steadily, attracting musicians and youth. Stevie Wonder wrote him a birthday tribute and six million signatures were delivered to Congress in support of the holiday. By the time a national holiday was first celebrated in 1986, 44 states had declared their own MLK Day. New Hampshire and Arizona were notable holdouts. Arizona voters approved the holiday in 1993 after the NFL threatened to never hold a Super Bowl in that state if it didn’t. In New Hampshire, the General Assembly repeatedly rejected an MLK holiday. But in 1997 that rejection was by only one vote, and in 1999, it was approved. EVENTS NOTICE MLK Day Pancake Breakfast and celebration will be held at 8:30 am, Monday, Jan. 15, at South Church, 292 South St., Portsmouth, NH. Organized by the NAACP-Seacoast. Free and open to the public. [Manchester, January 5, 2023] — Queerlective, a community-driven organization committed to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity in the arts, is thrilled to unveil its latest initiative: the BIPOC Artist Exchange and Activation Grant. This groundbreaking program aims to empower and elevate Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists throughout New England by connecting them to opportunities to showcase their invaluable contributions to the arts community of New Hampshire.
Empowering Artists, Inspiring Change Queerlective believes that art knows no boundaries and that creativity thrives when diverse voices come together. The BIPOC Artist Exchange and Activation Grant is designed to break down barriers and make it easier for BIPOC artists to engage with New Hampshire's vibrant art scene. The grant offers up to $300 to cover travel expenses, registration fees, and an hourly stipend for the artist during the event, creating a supportive environment for artists to share their work. Purpose The BIPOC Artist Exchange and Activation Initiative is designed to showcase the contributions of BIPOC artists to the New England art community, empowering and inspiring local artists by introducing them to artists from outside our community. Who Can Apply? The BIPOC Artist Exchange and Activation Grant is open to any BIPOC artist residing in New England, regardless of their artistic medium. Whether you're a painter, sculptor, musician, poet, or any form of creative, Queerlective welcomes your application. There are no restrictions on the type of event you can participate in— as long as you're sharing your art with the New Hampshire community, you're eligible! Learn more about this grant opportunity, including criteria and eligibility requirements, on the Queerlective website. About Queerlective: Founded on the belief that art is a powerful tool for social change, Queerlective has been at the forefront of initiatives that amplify marginalized voices and challenge societal norms. Through a myriad of programs, events, and grants, Queerlective actively works towards creating an inclusive environment for artists to thrive individually and as a community. |
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