The 2nd Annual Easter Parade and Festival for children and families stormed through Bedford Stuyvesant on Saturday, April 8.
Sponsored by Reach Covenant Ministries International and Songs of Solomon Choir, the parade was a welcome counterpoint to the overwhelming gun violence raging through our nation. Love won this past weekend with the NYPD Color Guard and Marching Band leading the way. Chief Scott Henderson has vowed to be integral to activities promoting youth, safety, and community engagement—the show of strength and unity excited bystanders up and down the parade route. Rev. Dr. Terry Lee of the God Squad lit the fire that blazed the way as we marched to Restoration Plaza from Fulton Park. The Junior Empire Marching Elite, a program of Big Apple Leadership Academy for the Arts, Inc, Brooklyn United Drum & Bugle Corps, Songs of Solomon, Candidate Lola Waterman, and our co-sponsors, The Ladies of Steel, all marched in lockstep celebrating the faith tradition of Easter.
Arriving at Restoration Plaza, music broke on the steps, and the people were in awe. Brooklyn United Drum & Bugle Corps and Songs of Solomon choir performed for all who gathered. Under the tent, children found ten shiny bicycles ready for the raffle, nine cash prizes, a game truck sponsored by the NYPD, and tables of candy free to all. Squeals could be heard everywhere as youngsters found hidden eggs with cash prizes on the inside. Bouncy houses, face painting, and STURDY dance competitions kept participants busy for the afternoon. Most of all, the young people heard the Gospel story of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Chantel Wright, founder and choir director of Songs of Solomon and pastor of Reach Covenant Ministries International in Brooklyn, has committed her every resource to bring light, love, and hope to the unchurched. “I will always go outside the four walls and make sure that young people know that they are loved and that there are always men and women of God to help them understand why they are amazing! I want them to know that God’s love and salvation are for every one of them. I believe next year’s parade will be even bigger and better and will be a part of the Holy Week excitement for years to come.”
The Easter Parade would not have been possible without the indefatigable community leader Dr. Sharonnie Perry, The Ladies of Steel, and our great sponsors:
AACEO-African American Clergy and Elected Officials, Brownstoners Of Bedford Stuyvesant, Church Women United, Community Parents Inc., Council Member Chi Osse, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter, Ehab, Empowered Women, Eye-pic Eye Care, FoodTown Supermarkets, Ladies of Steel,
Mayor’s Office City of New York, NYPD Brooklyn North / Community Affairs, One Brooklyn Health Network,
Power Women and Community Building, Reach Ministries, Restoration Development Corporation
Shoji Homes, Songs of Solomon Choir, Ava Evans, Sharmaine Gattling, The Allure Group, Watchful Eye HIV/AIDS Network
Other community leaders like Renee Gregory, President Brownstoners of Bedford Stuyvesant; Supreme Court Judge Robin Sheares; Dr. Minister Sharonnie Perry; Bishop Chantel Wright; Assemblywoman Emeritus Annette Robinson, Attorney Lola Waterman, Pastor Dr. Robert Waterman, Deborah Leary-Tucker President of the Ladies of Steel, The Delta Sigma Theta Brooklyn Alumni Chapter, Shelia Davis Churchwomen United, joined in the festive fun with their families. See you next year at the 3rd Annual Easter Parade!