Apparicio Wows Crowd at MLK Service

From left are Mayor James Butts, Joshua Apparicio, Mrs. Butts, and
Shirmin Apparicio.

By Cora Jackson-Fossett
Sentinel Religion Editor
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Applause, amazement, and smiles were in full force when Joshua Apparicio articulately delivered his award-winning speech at the City of Inglewood's Ecumenical Service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Joshua, a second grade student at Oak Street Elementary School, spoke on ‘Defining the Dream in an Era of Change' and the crowd of hundreds was both stunned and impressed by the poise and eloquence coming from such a young lad.

He said, "I am only 6 years old and I don't fully understand the context or content of the speech; but what I do comprehend from his spoken words, is that he had great foresight. He envisioned a world where all people could have an equal opportunity to be successful and enjoy the freedoms given to all Americans."

According to his mother, Shirmin, Joshua was invited to speak after winning the Inglewood District Martin Luther King Speech Contest for his grade level. As a result, he has received invitations to share the speech with congregations around the Southland.

Also, Joshua received an embossed certificate signed by Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts and members of the City Council, one from U.S. Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and a third recognizing him as the 2012 MLK Day Speech Contest Winner and his student achievement.

"We are so proud of Joshua. I am looking forward to what God has in store for him in 2012," said Mrs. Apparicio.

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