By Amy Woods
The largest and longest-running benefit for the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
On Jan. 20, a cross-cultural crowd of 300 will congregate at Indian Spring Country Club in Boynton Beach for the Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch.
“We consider it a signature event because it is the epitome of what we as an organization love to do, which is bring people together around Black history,” said Charlene Farrington, the museum’s executive director.
The keynote speaker is Don Mizell, a lawyer in the entertainment industry whose résumé includes developing the marketing strategy that led to the creation of the King national holiday. Mizell’s cousin, Delray Beach resident Yvonne Odom, an active supporter of the museum, referred him to the board.
“When we talked to him, he said, ‘You know I’ll do anything Yvonne tells me to do,’” Farrington said. “We were thrilled to learn of his involvement in the King holiday, so I really want to hear that story.”
Mizell worked at Elektra Records where he branded the term “jazz fusion.” During his tenure, he produced several significant records — among them Ray Charles’ Genius Loves Company, which won a Grammy Award in 2005 for “Album of the Year.” He also is a contributor to civil- and social-justice initiatives.
“We want to impart some knowledge that has to do with the Black experience in America,” Farrington said. “That’s what we’re looking for. Not just a speaker, but a speaker who can share information authentically.”
The St. John Primitive Baptist Church Praise Team will sing gospel music during the event, and CORE Ensemble actor Tiffany Terrell will give a one-woman performance portraying voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.
“We do our best to make this event available for a large majority of our audiences,” Farrington said of the $55 ticket price.
“It continues to grow, and it continues to represent the Spady museum and its mission and our goals.”
If You Go
What: Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch
When: 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 20
Where: Indian Spring Country Club, 11501 El Clair Ranch Road, Boynton Beach
Cost: $55
Info: 561-279-8883 or spadymuseum.com
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