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NJPAC Annual MLK Awards Ceremony Event-NJ Event Photography

Working with the NJPAC in Newark, NJ is always fun. I get to meet the most wonderful people, and see those who I’ve worked with before. Part of their events such as this, are the inspiring speakers and their speeches. Not to mention the talented singing of the choir. As one who also sings, I truly appreciate them. Part of me wishes that I could join them in song 🙂

During the Martin Luther King Jr. event, they hand out awards to those who make a difference in the community. The two people honored that night were, Gloria Buck who recieved the Steward of the Dream Award and Ryan P. Haygood, Esq., who recieved the Visionary of the Future Award.  It’s also my job to get photos of the people who are amongst the sponsors of NJPAC, and with the help of some individuals, I am able to find out who they are, what table they’re sitting at and get a group photo of them.

This particular evening, the weather was less than cooperative. There was icy rain/snow on the roads, the traffic on the NJ Turnpike was a mess. A lot of guests were running late. Before the awards ceremony, everyone eats dinner, and then afterwards they hold a performance in the main theater. it was a packed house!  As a matter of fact, they had a full room, so full in fact, they had to bring in extra tables and chairs. The theater had other activities going on, so they gave me  a dressing room for me to keep everything in, set up my laptop to do a quick edit on images that they wanted for a Press Release. My husband accompanied me as my assistant. Parking the car, keeping track of my gear for me, etc.

The weather outside was raw, wet, and cold, the atmosphere indoors was warm, welcoming and full of hope.

Please read the Press Release in this link from NJ Stage.

All images copyright Deirdre Ryan Photography. It is unlawful to copy, steal or otherwise download these in any way. 

Thank you to everyone at NJPAC!

#FF Strong Women Awarded At NJPAC

Back in January of this year, 2016, I had the pleasure to photograph the Martin Luther King Jr. Awards ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ. This was to honor two women, Shane Harris who received the Visionary of the Future award and Antoinette Ellis-Williams to receive the Steward of Dream award.

The NJPAC Youth Chorus opened with Lift Every Voice and Sing, everyone stood up to join them in song. While I was taking pictures, I couldn’t help but sing as well. The president of NJPAC, John Schreiber, introduced Donna Walker-Kuhne, who then introduced Rick Thigpen of PSE&G. Afterwards, the President of the Newark Chapter of the NAACP, Ms. Deborah Gregory, spoke.

What I found one of the more adorable parts of the event was Antoinette’s husband, Junius Williams, introduced her with a cute story.

The Jubilation Chorus was amazing to listen to, and as I too sing in a choir, it was an added bonus to my ears and wished that I could join them!

Thank you all for letting me photograph your event. It’s always a great time and hearing everyone speak was uplifting and lovely!

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NJPAC Celebrates Kwanzaa

You may ask…what is Kwanzaa?

The following text is from this link :

In 1966 Dr. Maulana Karenga created a uniquely African American and Pan-African holiday called Kwanzaa, which is celebrated from December through January first. Kwanzaa is related to many African celebrations of the first harvest. The name Kwanzaa comes from a Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” which translates as first fruits.

In African-American culture Kwanzaa is a time for five fundamental activities:

  • To reestablish interpersonal bonds

  • To express reverence to the creator

  • To commemorate and honor ancestors

  • To commit to following cultural ideals

  • To celebrate life, family, community and culture

Kwanzaa recognizes and celebrates these 7 principles of African culture:

  • Umoja (unity): To work towards unity with others whether family members or members of a larger community.

  • Kujichagulia (self-determination): To define oneself and find one’s unique voice in the world.

  • Ujima (collective work and responsibility): To cooperate in community building and problem solving.

  • Ujamaa (cooperation): To build and sustain business from which the community as a whole profits.

  • Nia (purpose): To collectively strive towards cultural unity based on tradition.

  • Kuumba (creativity): To use our creativity to improve our community.

  • Imani (faith): To believe in each other, our leaders, and the righteousness of our struggle.

During Kwanzaa, children receive gifts of books and heritage symbols. The book represents the value of learning recognized since ancient Egypt and the symbol is to remind the child of his or her commitment to African traditions.

Kwanzaa colors are red, green, and black. A mat (called a mkeka) is laid on a table and decorated with 7 candles representing the 7 principles and one is lit on each day of Kwanzaa. Ears of corn are placed on the mkeka, along with a unity cup (called a kikombe cha umoja) for pouring libations in honor of the ancestors. The mkeka is also decorated with beautiful art objects and books that represent the best that African culture has to offer.

The final day of Kwanzaa is set aside for reflection. Celebrants spend this day in quiet contemplation and maintain a peaceful, humble attitude towards others. It is a time for individuals to answer three questions:

  • Who am I?

  • Am I really who I say I am?

  • Am I all I ought to be?

Answering these questions honestly can bring about a renewed commitment to being the best we can be and to honoring the time honored African cultural traditions. Kwanzaa does not reflect any religion but rather plays tribute to ancient cultural values and traditions.

As you can see it is a beautiful holiday and I was very happy to be referred to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) to photograph their Kwanzaa celebration back in December. It had all that you read above, including speakers from the President and CEO John Schreiber, Vice President of  Community Engagement, Donna Walker of NJPAC, and three of the Elders. These Elders were honored by dancers and young  people.

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