The Waltonian

On Friday, April 5, 2018 I had the opportunity of witnessing a shift in the atmosphere as Precious Movements Mime & Dance ministered at their annual concert. People were able to see the work of God through mime, dance, pageantry of flags and spoken word. This concert has touched the lives of so many people and we actually were able to witness breakthroughs happening.

“It was very inspiring to watch young people move for God. It was a life changing experience,” Cheryl Adams, the Minister of Pageantry, said.

According to a lot of the ministers, there was a lot going on behind the scenes, but after seeing what happened in the auditorium that night was completely worth it

“This concert was for us to physically respond to Christ’s desire for us to break the cycles we find ourselves in. Once we break those cycles and become whole, it’s our job as children of God to help others become whole in him. It’s time to be made well!” said Khandace Mitchell, Precious Movements’ praise dancer.

“This concert really shook my foundation, because each year we bring something new. Last year we were just telling our testimonies throughout movements, and this year we were very authentic and transparent letting everyone know that we go through cycles too but we have come to the point where we can answer God and say yes we want to be made well. By the end of the concert it was just that. Through our movements things were able to be dropped off of us, and it wasn’t just beneficial for us, it was also for people that worshipped with us,” said Malicka Encarnacion, mime and leader.

According to Precious Movements Dancers and mimers, each person had their own testimony and were able to share their testimony through movement and that night there were burdens lifted off their shoulders, as they were able to give it all to God.

“I got to witness the behind the scenes work of the concert, and I can honestly say they really need this release,” said ShaVon Wilson during the concert.

During the concert, I not only was able to witness Precious Movements’ receive their breakthrough, but I was also able to witness the audience being touched and moved by the spirit that was in the room. The concert received copious amounts of praise from students.

“If I had to describe the concert in one word it would be anointed,” said El-Fatih Chase.

“You were able to feel a fresh wind in the room,” said Olivia Smith.

“You were able to feel and see the hurt and pain each minister had, and being able to witness it taken away and given to God is what made it breathtaking,” said Renee Adams.

“This was truly an amazing worship experience,” said Michael Weatherbe.

Precious Movements amazed us once again with another concert. Speaking on behalf of Eastern University, thank you for teaching us that we are able to break generational curses, let go of our pain and worries and just giving God all of the praise because he deserves it! This concert was an eye opener, and I can’t wait to see how God moves in you ladies next.

This concert was very heartfelt and moving. I would encourage all of Eastern University to go see future Precious Movements concerts, so that you may also witness the movement of God. Who knows, you may want to join them one day.

In the United States, people take off from work and school every third Monday of January to celebrate a well-known leader for equality, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He dedicated his life to making the world better as he served as leader for the Civil Rights Movement.

Some celebrate Dr. King by visiting his memorial in Washington D.C. or his home, which is now a museum in Atlanta, Georgia. On this special day, Americans also take time to reflect on their friends and family of all races, just as Dr. King dreamed. If he was alive today, he would once again say, “Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia to Martin Luther King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. His name was not originally “Martin Luther King Jr”. Initially, his name was Michael; however, when his father traveled to Germany in 1934, he was inspired by Martin Luther, a Protestant Reformation leader, and decided to change his and his son’s name to Martin Luther.

Few are aware of what he did for America, besides leading the March on Washington and helping with the Montgomery Bus Boycott. He led many protests, such as the controversial protest in 1963 that led him and many others into jail, which jeopardized his reputation with both black and white clergymen. In the same year, he gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington in DC on August 28, 1963. His final speech, “I’ve Been to The Mountaintop”, was prophetically delivered on April 3, 1968.

“I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the promised land” Dr. King said.

The next day, he was fatally shot on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee by James Earl Ray, who later pleaded guilty and was sentenced 99 years in prison.

Today, Dr. King’s life and legacy is commemorated nationally. From historic walking tours in Harlem and Brooklyn, discounted admission in Philadelphia’s African American Museums, to joining America’s largest parade in Los Angeles, the Kingdom Day Parade. America has not forgotten the works of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.