Staff Writer
On Saturday August 27, 2016, The San Diego Chapter of Black American Political Association of California hosted its annual Men’s Breakfast at the Tubman Chavez Center. “The event was a huge success due to the leadership of the Men’s Breakfast Committee Chairperson Mr. Quentin Miles, the dedicated committee members and the master of ceremonies, Ken Malbrough,” shared a committee member.
With the theme of “Bond of Brothers,” the event drew an exceptional crowd of individuals who came to support the organization and its seven honorees who have done positive things for their families and communities, enriching and blessing lives all around them. The honorees are all San Diego residents and have been in business, providing services to the community for years. They included:
Derrick Luckett, President and Owner of Destiny Financial Mortgage and Real Estate Company; Abdisalaam Farah, President/CEO Somali Youth United; Dr. Melaku Mekuria, Senior Pastor Maranatha Ethiopian Church of San Diego; Tracy Morris, President Blue Heart Foundation; Commander Othan “Nate” Mondy, California State Commander, National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS); Edward Ramsey, President Minority Veterans Coalition of California Southern Region Veterans Services Corporation; and Larry Spears, President Spears Martial Arts Academy.
Each honoree received a plaque on behalf of BAPAC and NABVETS. Stephanie Allen, staff assistant to Congressman Juan Vargas was among the dignitaries that also presented them with awards and accolades.
Langston Grant, a young talented man shared his gift of song with two spiritual ballads that brought the audience to their feet.
Honoree, Derrick Luckett also served as the event’s keynote speaker, delivered an uplifting, and passionate speech, producing both tears and laughter throughout the room. “The wonderful atmosphere created by the honorees, family and community attendees was definitely felt in the room. Our community will be changed forever because of the bond of love; of heritage; and of community created at this event,” a committee member shared.
