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The Annual Salute to Greatness Tribute, honoring the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, will be held 11 a.m. Sunday at St. Stephen AME Zion Church on Springwood Avenue.

Held for over 15 years, the event recognizes Asbury Park community members and leaders who contribute significantly to civil rights, education, social justice, peace and public health, said committee member Alice Johnson.

“These are people who take the time and make the time to care about others who are not as self sufficient,” said Johnson, who serves as Director of Christian Education at the church. “These are the people who are doing things that really resonates and that are so important.”

Administered by congregation’s youth, the theme this year will be I Still Have A Dream. The event will feature song, spoken word, and praise dance performances, Johnson said.

The categories and honorees include:

The Martin Luther King Jr Distinguished Service Award being given to Dr. Christie Howard, Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton, George Corbin, Rev Derinzer Johnson,  Patricia Mitchell and Calvin Gardner for their work administering the Expungement Program, held on a regular basis at the Springwood Avenue church.

“This is a team of people who have been faithful and committed to coming out once or twice a month to help those who need a second a chance,” Johnson said. “It is so endearing to me when I think in terms of these people being given this opportunity without having to pay for it.”

Rev. Gil Caldwell [shown in feature photo] will receive the Martin Luther King Jr Peacemaker Award

“This is a man who has a long history with Dr. King, knew him personally, and was a part of the Civil Rights Movement,” Johnson said. “It is a blessing for our community to have someone of his caliber who is still so active and such a proponent voice peace in this community. Through his support of the LGBTQ community, he has shown that we are able to walk hand in hand and not allow discrimination to be an issue; and he can speak to that as a minister.”

The Martin Luther King Jr Drum Major For Justice Award will be given to Rev. Nicolle Harris, a city native who has crossed more than physical lines and barriers to help foster change, acceptance, and a unified community.

“This is a phenomenal young activist who cares about her community,” Johnson said. “She has been instrumental in not only Black Lives Matter causes but has worked to garner involvement from the young adults in this community.”

BOE President Angela Ahbez Anderson will receive the Rosa Parks Legacy Award for the workshops she has administered throughout the years to help the youngest in the community find their voice and strength.

“This is definitely one of our community’s unsung heroes,” Johnson said. “She has been active in the community for years and never gets any recognition for her work with the children. I had the chance to witness her work and saw young people who were shy and withdrawn blossom under her program. Their self esteem and sense of self identity grew.”  

And last but not least, the Salute To Greatness Award will be given to Restaurateur Marilyn Schlossbach, who helped create the self sufficient hospitality training program at Kula Cafe and who holds annual free community holiday meals at her popular waterfront venue Langosta Lounge on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.

“In terms of what she does, there is a scripture that speaks to doing for the least among us,” Johnson said. “Marilyn has opened her restaurant doors [on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter] to feed people who are hungry.”

The free event is open to the public. St. Stephen AME Zion Episcopal Church is located at 1001 Springwood Ave. For more information, call 732-774-5874.

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