2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Health Foundation Gala

written by Evan L. Jackson
Photos by Evan L. Jackson 

As we embarked on a new year the "Share The Dream" 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Healthcare Foundation Gala was held at the Dorthy Pavilion Center. This Gala is special to me because it signifies the emphasis on giving back to the community at large. It's humbling to see medical professionals and celebrities come together to celebrate Dr. King's legacy and to continue it with the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital. Honoree for the night was  Game Changer Award: October Gonzalez accepting for Tony Gonzalez | NFL Hall Of Fame Nominee, Fox Sports Analyst and Advocate Award: Marian Wright Edelman | Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund. Special thanks to the Public Relations team of the Lippin Group for having us there. The atmosphere of celebration and hope were in the air and it felt very good to be there. 

My absolute favorite moments of the Gala were when I spoke with Mistress of Ceremonies - Entertainment Personality Extra TV Tanika Ray. Often seeing her on Extra TV she was a mentor from a far, without even meeting her beforehand, and a role model on how I wanted to conduct myself as an Entertainment Professional. I so loved very much her passion and zeal for Entertainment speaking to her within this interview. And the backstory on how she got her start was so astounding. She did not limit her self or her abilities. And that is exactly what Dr. King what want from all of us - to soar towards our dreams without any limitations being placed on us. Check out the interview below to also see advice she gives to up and coming creatives! 

My other favorite moment was speaking with the creator of Doc McStuffins creator Chris Nee. Serving also on the board for Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, I've interviewed her before but this time I went more in depth and spoke on my personal connection to the hospital. I reminded her that my sister is a medical professional, being a Physician's Assistant. And that recently we gave our cousin a Doc McStuffins doll, and my cousin gleefully said to my sister, "Brittany, that's you!". Such a sweet moment provided context on the impact of seeing someone that looks like you or close to you represented. Chris Nee lit up when I said this story and said that's what she wanted when she created this character. A global impact on what children see and she said that's also the reason why she felt compelled to be a board member. To create actual change in the community. This continues to be one of my favorite events every year. So please support and take an interest in the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital because it is definitely well worth it.