For the 49th consecutive year, employees of Northwell Health gathered together to honor the teachings and visions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
During his opening remarks at North Shore University Hospital, Northwell President CEO Michael J. Dowling referred to King as “a unifier” and encouraged the more than 400 attendees – and hundreds of others watching remotely at 33 facilities across the health system – to “reflect on what we do day, and tomorrow, and all future tomorrows” in a communal effort to affect positive change.
He also acknowledged Kenneth Gray, son of the late Bob McGhee, who started the health system’s first MLK Day event a half-century ago at North Shore University Hospital.
This year’s keynote speaker was Steve Pemberton, best-selling author, human resources executive and motivational speaker. His autobiographical book turned Netflix film, “A Chance in the World,” chronicles his beginnings as a foster child through an extraordinary life journey that led him to Boston College and to success in the corporate world.
During his childhood, Pemberton suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of a cruel foster family in Massachusetts, eventually overcoming feelings of worthlessness thanks to his love of reading, academic prowess, and mentors who recognized his talent and potential. The book’s title came from one of his first babysitters, who understood the misery of his young life and told him he “didn’t have a chance in the world.”
During his stirring presentation, Pemberton spoke emotionally about the people in his early life who made a difference by offering such simple kindnesses as free books, a kind word, or a place to stay.
“We all have different stories,” he said. “But if you take the time, you realize that you have extraordinarily similar chapters. Labels are misleading; we must learn to look beneath the label to see more of the person inside.”
Currently, Pemberton serves as the chief human resources officer for Globoforce, a Massachusetts-based leading provider of social recognition and performance development solutions. His tireless advocacy for disenfranchised Americans has earned him many awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Horizon Award from the US Congress.
In honor of King, Pemberton urged his audience to “find a house with a light on,” reminding them that “if you want to be great, you must be good first.”
Another highlight of the program was the award of the Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial program scholarship awards. Two high school students were each awarded $10,000 toward their four-year college education: Ayi Agboglo, a senior at Uniondale High School, who plans to attend Columbia University in the fall, and Magdalena Mazur, a senior at Jamaica Gateway to the Sciences, who is still considering her college options. Both students participate in the Medical Scholars Pipeline Program at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. The program was created in 2010 to provide an educational pathway for students from medically underserved communities throughout the five boroughs of New York City and Long Island interested in health care careers.
The program also featured choreographer, filmmaker and performer Cartier Williams, a self-described “hoofer” who performed an original tap dance depicting the quest for equality. Williams performed his work while images of the world’s most beloved civil rights advocates flashed behind him. Judging from the standing ovation, Williams’ work was a tremendous hit with the Northwell audience.
Providing musical support during the ceremony was the Hempstead Select Chorale, a group of talented singers that has already won two International Choral Competitions. When asked about her understanding of the work of King, one member of the chorale said: “It’s an honor for us to sing the music that meant so much to Dr. King and everyone involved in making this a better world.”
