The colorful tapestry of quotes – “You don’t have to see the Whole Staircase, Just take the first Step,” and “There can be Unity when there isn’t Uniformity,” weaved by Dr. Martian Luther King Jr. were put into practice by Together We Serve- a Richmond Hill food pantry, Power of the Soil, an agricultural-based non-profit, and Twisted N’ Brushes, an art space, that collaborated on Monday, Jan. 15, to honor the late civil rights leader’s legacy of service.
The colorful 109-19 Rockaway Boulevard art space in Ozone Park, was the scene of a food distribution, and painting experience that exuded the spirit of giving, and unity, that the iconic leader fought for, and championed through community outreaches, marches, and legislation.
Creative Director, Visual Artist Anthony Springer thanked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his steadfast commitment to ideals he fought for, noting that he led the way in his fight for justice, and equal rights.
“I could sit in the same room with somebody who’s tan, yellow, and white, and we all could be the same artist and have the same skills that we could put it together and change the world, instead of just having one person or, a one-color scheme to try to change the world,” said the entrepreneur, who created the art space entertainment venue one year ago.
Twisted N’ Brushes was opened for the community, centered around mental health healing. I felt like art would be a great healing process for persons suffering with mental health issues. I use it for myself to meditate to get me out of the world for two hours if it takes that time, to just forget about problems, said the art instructor.
“I saw that it really helped a lot of people from a kid who ‘i three years old, and adults 60 and 70 years old. I saw the same joy in their heart, it doesn’t matter what age, you can enjoy yourself,” said Springer, noting that the service he provides “will give patrons an opportunity to come and paint with your family, friends, or you can plan your personal event.”
“I also have an extra space here that you can rent to do anything that your heart desires with art. I’m open to the public and I’m also open to corporate accounts.”
“I am also available to provide instruction, and to help you, express yourself. Don’t be afraid to mix colors don’t be afraid to showcase your talents. When you come here, I’m giving you also peace of mind, that’s what we provide at Twisted N’ Brushes,” he said.
Japnneet Singh, an immigrant from India, community activist, and candidate for the NYS Senate, D15 in Queens, held up a phone picture of Dr. Martin Luther King in London meeting with members of his Sikh religion, in the 1950’s, noting that many people don’t know that the civil rights leader had a close relationship with Asian’s back then.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a deeply rooted relationship with Asian Americans, notably when he went to London, England, in the 50s and 60s when there was a lot of discrimination against Sikhs in America.
“Many Sikhs worked along with Dr. King. I came across a photo in the archives with one of the first Sikh leaders to meet Dr. King back in the 50s, so his message wasn’t just applicable to African Americans but everyone, his struggles and his fight literally made Asian Americans ride his coattails and that’s why the immigration act of 1965 was passed right after the civil rights movement,” said founder, and president of Khalsa Community Patrol, Queens.
“We have a lot of correlation between our communities and the struggle that we face. Today we as human beings take some time to reflect on his messages obviously. But also, what he had to offer us, not for just one community, but all of us as Americans,” he said.
The evening of painting that created masterpieces on canvas, to bolster Dr. Kings messages, Rooted in Strength, and Black and Proud, that truly created an atmosphere of oneness, that the activist, and political philosopher ,one of the most prominent leaders in the civil right struggle, left behind.
These groups could be found on social media platforms.
On Instagram – @twistednbrushes, or by calling 718-964-8634, 929-255-0046, for Sip and Paint events.
Bibi Ali, @fbpowerofthesoil, and Sherry Williams, @fbtogetherweserve.
