KAPA‘A — An interfaith gathering on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. will honor Martin Luther King Jr., and Courageous African American Women at the Center for Spiritual Living Kaua‘i (CSLK) where an indoor labyrinth celebrating the arrival of 2024 took place on Sunday night.
“The intention is to honor the role of Black women toward advancing peace and freedom in “the beloved community” that Dr. King lived and died for,” said Steve Backinoff, longtime advocate of peace and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Kumu Sabra Kauka is scheduled to offer the opening blessing at the CSLK, which is located on the grounds of the Kapa‘a Hongwanji Mission, across the street from the Kapa‘a Shopping Center.
“The CSLK Revs. Patrick and Rita Andriello-Feren will be welcoming everyone to the new space which I like to call the ‘Temple of Magnificence,’” Beckinoff said. “There will be a lot of music surrouned by brief talk pieces.”
Scheduled are The Voice Weavers Women’s Empowerment Choir led by Maronda Rice that will be offering seven numbers.
“Karen Dickensen is coming all the way over from Waimea to share her powerful voice with us,” Beckinpoff said. “And many others, including African drumming from the Love Tribe, and some Kirtan singing to bring in the connection of the civil rights movement with Gandhi and principles of nonviolence.”
Among the women being honored are Phyllis Wheatley, Coretta Scott King, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Mahalia Jackson, Paulie Murray, Maya Angelou, Angela Davis, Nina Simone, Amanda Gorman, Dorothy Johnson, Opra Winfrey, Sweet Honey and the Rock.
Martin Luther King Day is observed on the third Monday on January — Jan. 15, 2024.
