By Pamela Rider, Special Correspondent
Reverend Steptoe, Pastor of Morris Brown Church in Jamaica, New York, hosted a community event titled “Joy, Jazz, and Justice.” With over 70 people in attendance, the event was deemed a smashing success. Jazz, R&B, Gospel, and all genres were welcomed to perform.
Pastor Steptoe and Husband, Robert Steptoe
More than 20 performers from all over New York—including jazz player Billy Grant, Martinez Little, an R&B singer from the 1970s group Blue Magic, and Ralph Stowe, an executive director for jazz and prostate cancer awareness—helped spread their love and joy at the event on Sunday, October 26.
The purpose of the event was to bring people together, relieve stress, and help everyone learn to appreciate each other’s individual and family situations. The church is a Mission of Christ, feeding the mind and body.
The event’s focus was to uplift the church and the community. The event marked the beginning of a celebration and educational initiative to foster harmony, peace, and unity, while also issuing a call to action for civic engagement and social justice during these politically volatile times.
Although this was the first event of its kind for the church, each year the church holds a book-bag giveaway, clothing drives, health fairs, and a friends-and-family day. Though it was not a fundraising event, donations were welcome.
“The purpose of this event was to create harmony, peace, and unity within the community. The first step in this process is to educate the community on what is needed to achieve this goal,” said Steptoe.
Pastor Steptoe said that she picked “Joy, Jazz, and Justice” for the following reasons:
JOY—truly giving the community the opportunity to outreach to different cultures, releasing stress, and celebrating together.
JAZZ—having a huge umbrella and a variety of music such as R&B, Caribbean, Gospel, etc.
JUSTICE—a call to action in response to circumstances occurring in the world, implementing civic engagement and social justice.
Steptoe added, “This will be a launch event, but it can be done twice a year, which will hopefully uplift the community with every passing year.”
The Pastor is praying that this event will mark the beginning of a positive, significant change in the community. Steptoe aims to help break down stigmas and inequality in the community, hoping it will spill over into all inner-city communities.
Pastor Steptoe said, “I have emailed local, city, and state political members. Hopefully, they will be in attendance, and with their assistance, I will be able to provide more social services such as English and Spanish classes, along with trade skills.”
Ralph Stowe
Ralph M. Stowe is a pianist and the founder, CEO, and advocate of “Jazz 4 Prostate Cancer.”
Ralph Stowe said, “This is a great event. I go wherever needed to bring prostate awareness to all communities. I do this with my music and with literature to educate men of all ages, cultures, and races.”
Bernadine Moore
Singer Bernadine Moore said, “It was an honor to be asked to perform at this community event. We need to do more to connect with the community, and if asked again, it will be my pleasure.”
“Helping to uplift and educate the community with music, engagement, and love is what is and has always been needed to promote and sustain unity,” adds Moore.
Saxophonist Richard Braithwaite
Richard Braitwaite said, “I feel blessed having been asked to contribute my music for this event. It’s a tear-jerking turn of events.”
Braitwaite continues, “Whenever asked again, my support will be gladly given.”
Brenda Prescott and Evern G. Randolph
Brenda Prescott and Evern G. Randolph are the co-founders and co-CEOs of “Grandparents Around the World.” Their mission is to enlist seniors’ help in bridging the gap between youth and the elderly. Their vision is to expand their programs to other communities and around the world.
Brenda Prescott said, “It is so wonderful to see the number of youth and elders in attendance. I’m glad to be a part of this event.”
Evern Randolph said, “I can’t express what I feel in my heart to be a part of such a wonderful affair!” She added, “It does my heart good!”
Graciela Yanez, Dustin Joyce, and Ena Baxter
Graciela Yanez is the “Communications Specialist” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lynbrook, New York. Dustin Joyce is a member of the “High Council” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lynbrook, New York, and Ena Baxter is the “Communications Director” of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lynbrook, New York.
Their organizations were major contributors to this event and to past community affairs. They have made significant contributions to the community, including coats, book bags, and other necessities.
Farzeena Ibrahim Meeting and Greeting Attendees
The event began at 2:00 pm. The music, the message, and the love flowed until 4:30 pm, when the band received a one-hour break. During that time, food was served.
“My husband plays a huge part in the success of the community events I have hosted,” said Pastor Steptoe. She added, “As a matter of fact, other than the pizza, Robert cooked all of the food!”
The attendees heartily feasted on mac and cheese, assorted salads, baked barbecue chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, cornbread, bottled water, and assorted flavored fruit punch. They provided assorted cookies, cakes, and brownies for dessert.
The number of members ranged between 30 and 35; nonetheless, and most importantly, they are dedicated individuals determined to help the community and all who are in need.