Glendale Community College President Irene Kovala urged people
Thursday to keep Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy alive throughout
their lives.
“His legacy was unconditional love and commitment to serve
others, and sometimes you have to ask yourself what have you really
done for others,” Kovala said.
Kovala addressed an audience Thursday morning at Sun City
Grand’s Cimarron Center during the annual Martin Luther King Jr.
breakfast, sponsored by the Northwest Black History Committee.
Since her childhood, Kovala said she’s always understood King’s
“unconditional love,” having grown up in the Midwest with two
African American best friends.
“I was raised in a home that taught to look at people for their
character and not the color of their skin,” said Kovala, who
recently was hired to serve in GCC’s top position. “We need to
continue to treat one another with respect and great values because
that is what he wanted for us.”
In addition, Kovala said it’s important to strive every day to
make sure every individual practices fairness to others no matter
their race.
Hispanic radio personality Oved Grijalva and ABC Channel 15
co-anchor Susan Casper hosted the breakfast.
The Northwest Black History Committee presented newly elected
Surprise Mayor Sharon Wolcott and the city with an award for their
partnership on the event.
“We’re so pleased that the committee is recognizing him as a
hero, with a spirit of really trying to bring people together no
matter their skin color,” Wolcott said.
During the breakfast, the committee’s chairman, Ervin Cutright,
also awarded Peoria resident Arnold Harroway with the “Having a
Dream” award.
Harroway was honored for his effort in helping abused children.
He and his wife adopted six of those children.
