Category Archives: Encouragement

Commemorating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Letters of Support

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Dr. King in his study, Atlanta GA

Dr. King in his study at home in Atlanta, GA

Dear Readers,

Brooklyn Legends is proud to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 at his family home in Atlanta, Georgia.  This year he would celebrate his 87th birthday.

From December 1955 until April 4, 1968, Dr. King was the leader of America’s Civil Rights Movement. By all accounts this was among the most tumultuous periods in our history. Yet despite the many acts of hatred and violence,  Dr. King remained steadfast in his commitment to lead a non-violent campaign. He received support from men and women worldwide.

Here in the United States, there were many who stood with Dr. King and the architects of the Civil Rights Movement. These men and women gave their time, legal and professional services and money. They would join thousands of African-Americans in this fight for equal rights. While today many challenges persist, we cannot deny the progress that was achieved. These life-changing events have shaped my life and my ancestors.

As I was preparing for this post, I spent some time looking through the archives on The King Center’s website. In addition to extensive historical information, there are many photos, letters and telegrams for visitors to see. All information has been digitally preserved through the generosity of JP Morgan Chase. Today I would like to share few letters sent to Dr. King from children thought the world. I have also included a few condolence letters sent to Mrs. King shortly after Dr. King was assassinated.  When you have a moment, I encourage you to visit the site which can be found by following this link.

Fondly,
Monique

A student sends greetings on Mahatma Ghandi's birthday

A student in India sends greetings on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday

Students in France requesting an interview of Dr. King

Students in France requesting an interview of Dr. King

A student in Chicago requests information about Dr. King's Church

A student in Chicago requests information about Dr. King’s Church

A student who wants to be a Pediatrician references Dr. King's book "Strength to Love"

A student who wants to be a Pediatrician references Dr. King’s book “Strength to Love”

Via Bauman Rare Books

Via Bauman Rare Books – referenced in Gregory William’s letter to Dr. King.

Letter sent to Mrs. King after Dr. King was killed.

Letter sent to Mrs. King after Dr. King was killed.

Sent to Mrs. King from a student in NYC after Dr. King was killed.

Sent to Mrs. King from a student in NYC after Dr. King was killed.

Sent to Mrs. King from PS 32 in NYC after Dr. King was killed

Sent to Mrs. King from PS 32 in NYC after Dr. King was killed

Sent to the SCLC in Dr. King's honor with a donation from a high school in Beverly Hills, CA.

Sent to the SCLC in Dr. King’s honor with a donation from a high school in Beverly Hills, CA.

Credits:
All information obtained from The King Center’s website – Thekingcenter.org.

Looking Back & Leaping Forward with Mahalia Jackson

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Dear Readers,

I can remember hearing this song as I child but I admit that I did not fully understand why the elders loved it so. Well, 50+ years later, and with the many challenges that every person I know has so fearlessly overcome, I understand. Here is our dear Mahalia Jackson singing “How I Got Over.”

Monique

Brooklyn Legends Week in Review – My Magnificent 6

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Dear Readers,

Time.com

Content.Time.com

Last month President Obama presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 17 individuals “who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.”

I was delighted to see 6 women among this highly esteemed group and 2 are Brooklyn natives. For me it just doesn’t get any better.

President Obama & Bonnie Carroll Alex Wong/Getty Images
Former U.S. Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images
President Obama & Katherine Johnson NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images)
President Obama & Gloria Estefan NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
President Obama & Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
President Obama & Barbra Streisand NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images

It is truly an honor to salute:

Major Bonnie Carroll (Retired US Air Force), a public servant who has devoted her life to caring for our military and veterans.

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (posthumous), the first African-American woman elected to Congress, the first major-party African-American female candidate to make a bid for the U.S. presidency and Brooklyn resident.

Gloria Estefan, one of the first mainstream Hispanic artists to crossover between English and Spanish language music paving the way for countless other Latin artists to follow.

Katherine G. Johnson, a pioneer in American space history and a NASA mathematician whose computations have influenced every major space program from Mercury through the Shuttle program.

Senator Barbara Milkulski, who became the longest-serving female Senator in 2011 and the longest-serving woman in Congress and the first female Senator to chair the Senate Appropriations Committee in 2012.

Barbra Streisand world-famous singer, actor, director, producer and songwriter and one of the few performers to receive an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and a Tony.  Ms. Streisand was born in Brooklyn, NY.

Brooklyn Legends is pleased to join the world in saluting all of this year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, especially My Magnificent 6. To learn more about this year’s honorees, please follow this link.

Fondly,
Monique

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Credits:
The White House Briefing Room

Brooklyn Legends Serenity Sunday – Quiet Reflection

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©Shutterstock – Fall
©Shutterstock – Winter
©Shutterstock
©Shutterstock -BBG

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Brooklyn Legends Serenity Sunday. When seeking peace and tranquility, we can always retreat to the beauty of nature for quiet reflection and renewal.

Enjoy your day.

Fondly,
Monique

My Thanksgiving Playlist #10 – “Good Times”

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Dear Readers,

I am so happy I was able to share 10 songs with you this year. The last song, an older Jackson Five hit from 1976, is dedicated to all of our family and loved ones who are no longer with us. While moments of sadness may come, and the tears may sometimes fall, let’s try to encouraged and remember all the Good Times.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fondly.
Monique

My Thanksgiving Playlist #9 – “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”

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Dear Readers,

I was thinking earlier today, I simply cannot have a playlist without Stevie Wonder. There is one song I’ve been listening to a lot lately Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing. As I listen to this song, I will make note of Stevie’s advice.

Fondly,
Monique

My Thanksgiving Playlist #4 – “Thankful”

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Dear Readers:

I hope your day was productive and lived up to your highest expectations. As you can see I am committed to completing my playlist in time for Thanksgiving. This evening I would like to share Celine Dion’s Thankful, which is such a treasure.

Have a great evening.

Fondly,
Monique

 

My Thanksgiving Playlist #2 – “Get Here”

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Dear Readers,

Earlier today I shared the 1st song from my Thanksgiving playlist – What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.  My goal is to share 12 songs with you between today and Thursday which means I need to step up the pace.

My 2nd selection is Get Here by Oleta Adams, a beautiful and talented vocalist whose songs are enjoyed by her fans around the world. Have you thought about your playlist yet? If not, there is still time. For now, please enjoy one of my favorite songs.

Fondly,

Monique

 

My Thanksgiving Playlist – “What A Wonderful World”

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Dear Readers,

Each year I look forward to sharing the songs on my playlist. Since Thanksgiving is just a few days away it would be impossible to post each song that I cherish. However, I hope my selections will provide some inspiration as you create your playlist.

The first song is Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.  I hope it inspires you to relax and remember the good things in your life.

Enjoy!

Monique