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The First Baptist Church of Riverhead Honors MLK Jr. Meritorious Award Recipients

Reverend Charles A. Coverdale (left), Senior Pastor, The First Baptist Church of Riverhead, and Shirley E. Coverdale (second from right), Executive Director, Family Community Life Center, Inc., are joined by the MLK Jr. Meritorious Award recipients at the 26th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast. From left to right: youth advocate and social worker Audrey M. Gaines; Michele Lynch, Long Island Political Director, 1199 SEIU; Reverend Leonard A. Edwards, Pastor, Durham AME Zion Church; and community activist Benjamin S. Kizer.

 

The First Baptist Church of Riverhead held its 26th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on January 17 at the Hyatt Regency Wind Watch Hotel & Hamlet Golf Club in Hauppauge. The event celebrated the legacy of Dr. King and honored his memory. This year’s keynote speaker was Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts, III, President, SUNY College at Old Westbury and Senior Pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem.

Four people were presented with the MLK Jr. Meritorious Award for their embodiment of Dr. King’s ideals and their tireless efforts to make Dr. King’s dreams a reality. The recipients were Audrey M. Gaines, youth advocate and social worker; Benjamin S. Kizer, community activist; Michele Lynch, Long Island Political Director, 1199 SEIU; and the Reverend Leonard A. Edwards, Pastor, Durham AME Zion Church.

Proceeds from the breakfast went to benefit the Family Community Life Center, Inc., a community-based 501(c)3 organization promoting quality family life and a greater sense of community among residents in Riverhead and neighboring districts.

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