Aboard the hangar deck of the historic USS Midway ship, residents and pillars of the community came together to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, and spotlight regional leaders who bravely carry on his legacy in the world of today.
“Today, [January 15, 2025] marks Dr. King’s 96th birthday. We not only celebrate his birthday, we celebrate the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America,” said Peggy Cooper, a trustee member of the ship’s DEI committee.
Soulful music, fellowship, delicious food, and honorable sentiments of King’s messages filled the space of the Midway Museum stationed in San Diego’s downtown harbor. The Midway’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee has honorably hosted a celebration event for the civil rights leader for the last eleven years.
The ships’ rich legacy of unity, bravery, and freedom serves as a perfect backdrop to reflect on the memory of King. Distinguished veteran, healthcare leader, and advocate for health equity, Captain Kelly O. Elmore delivered this year’s keynote address.
“When you assess the midway’s mission to preserve history, honor those who serve and inspire future generations, it beautifully aligns with Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality and freedom; the vision to be America’s living symbol of freedom,” said Capt. Elmore.
Drawing from her career and former experience as a leader of military hospitals, Capt. Elmore emphasized the critical nature of protecting and pushing for healthcare equity for veterans and people of color, specifically women.
Meanwhile, each year, the DEI committee selects three individuals in the community to be awarded with the Outstanding Community Service Award, and Community Bridgebuilder award.
This year’s Bridgebuilder Award recipient was nothing short of remarkable.
Dr. Edith Edger is a 97 year-old Holocaust survivor who has gone on to become a world renowned psychologist specializing in trauma and resilience. In 1944, Edger and her mother were sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp. Shortly after their arrival, they were separated, and her mother was tragically killed in the gas chambers. Edger was eventually rescued and recovered by American soldiers; she was sixteen years-old.
Her rescue spurred a deep love and appreciation for men and women in uniform. In 1949, Edger moved to America with her daughter and husband to begin a new life. While receiving her award, she shared her perspective on seeing “colored” restroom signs upon shortly arriving into the states.
“I came to America, and I worked in a factory, and then I saw that there were two bathrooms, and one of them said, “colored”–where do you think I went? I always went to the colored bathroom.”
Edger joined the NAACP shortly after, sharing how she attended the march on Washington and met with Dr. King. You could hear a pindrop in the audience as she spoke, with some remarking–”she is my hero”.
Throughout the dinner and ceremony, entertainer Floyd Smith charmed the crowd with his interactive singing performance. Singer Victor Norris also wowed audience members with a powerful national anthem performance and closing rendition of “The Impossible Dream.”
Other awards given out, including the community service award, were presented to Rafael Castellanos, former Port of San Diego Commissioner, and Dennis Micharl Broussard, a humanitarian leader in San Diego.
Overall, the event was filled with the spirit of the beloved civil rights icon on the eve of his birth date, drawing a crowd of individuals and distinguished guests whose contributions have made San Diego a more equitable and vibrant community.
