Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Members of the Buffalo community were acknowledged at a commemoration and award ceremony for their service in honor and celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
"I had an opportunity to talk with the honorees and some said, 'Me? Who? I was doing what I was meant to do.' Some saying, 'It's not about me, it's about others,' a constant theme all throughout of the honorees is about the call to service," said Oswaldo Mestre Jr., Director of Citizen Services for the City of Buffalo.
One of those who was honored was Pastor Tim Newkirk with GYC Ministries, who jumped in at the time of need during the Buffalo blizzard, "He was activated during the Buffalo blizzard, he worked within the Bengali community and worked with them and they went out and they served food to those who cannot get out. He has done this tirelessly. Matter of fact, he probably was out late last night helping people in the community," Mestre said during the award ceremony.
In addition, Pastor Newkirk runs numerous community events and sponsors those that align with the culture and heritage of the City of Buffalo. He is actively involved in the Back to Basics outreach ministries, as well as the prison reentry workforce educational services and homicide comfort and support ministry at True Bethel Baptist Church.
Carlanda Meadors was also acknowledged with the Racial Relationship Building Award, "One of the special things about Carlanda because again, during the blizzard, I talked about those who look at fires, those who run away, and she chose to say, 'I want to help,' and again, with the Bengali community, served many people in this community," Mestre says.
World Central Kitchen was presented with the Community Impact Award. The World Central Kitchen and their volunteers gave out over 63,000 meals and over 100,000 pieces of produce food to the community during the aftermath of the May 15th shooting on Jefferson Avenue. Mestre mentions, "They didn't stop there recently doing Buffalo's Blizzard, our snow event. They partnered with Chef Darian Bryan to serve over 8400 hot meals at 177 locations."
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown mentioned that it is important to acknowledge the recent challenges Buffalo has faced as a community and our response to it, "With each challenge, we did what we do best in the City of Buffalo. We rallied together, remained resilient, and lifted each other up. Today, it feels more important than ever, to follow Dr. King's example, and spread messages of hope, love, support, perseverance, and gratitude."
As a continuation of service to the community, Mayor Byron Brown has partnered with Buffalo's Division of Citizens Services, Buffalo Police Department and other local community centers to start a special Baby Clothing Drive and calls upon the community to donate, diapers, formula, clothes, car seats and more to help babies and mothers in need this winter season. The Baby Donation Drive runs from now until the 3rd of February, click here to see where and how you can donate.
See the player below to listen to the full ceremony: