CLU President Dr. Eileen ArandaClaremont Lincoln University held its inaugural gala last week, on November 3rd. What an amazing event.
A star of the event was the performance by Linkin’ Bridge, a singing group who were finalists in America’s Got Talent™.
They look like “rappers” but they sing a capella harmony with golden voices. You see them and you think it is going to be heavy, but instead, their performance is uplifting.
After watching Linkin’ Bridge, three distinct reflections came to mind.
The message: “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
For Linkin’ Bridge, this is their passionate message. Get to know people. Don’t make assumptions about them from superficial indicators. Not coincidently, this is also the message of Claremont Lincoln University.
Linkin’ Bridge’s songs spoke of struggle and resilience and appealed to the crowd to make a difference.
It was a perfect match to the honorees for the Gala who were recognized for their work within the community. The evening was full of reminders that, if we are to thrive as a society, we need to work together and see everyone as having value.
The outcome: Not only did Linkin’ Bridge surprise the crowd with their singing – they surprised them with their openness.
Again, also a hallmark of Claremont Lincoln.
Before and after their performance, the “guys” were available, approachable and appreciative. They signed autographs, gave hugs and reinforced their message of bringing people together. Theirs was not an act – it was real.
The takeaway: Learning comes from unlikely sources.
Be open; be receptive. Do not fear; do not judge.
We are in a time of stress and many fear those who are in some way different. Difference is the source of creativity and wonder.
For one night fear was proven false; for one night we stood together and recognized the good in each of us; for one night we pledged to make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place.
PASS IT ON.
Stephanie Varnon-Hughes
The Gala event held by CLU was indeed entertaining, informative, and inspiring. Thanks to my Master’s in Interfaith Action program director, Dr. Darryl Ezell, who invited me to join him and his friends on his dinner table, I got to meet interesting people that I would not have met and learned about, otherwise. The Linkin’ Bridge gave a beautiful performance and delivered a message of hope and perseverance, a young lady associated with the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce enlightened me with her work and reassured me about today’s youth, a young man who was the son of one of my class teachers, Dr. Harmoush, and is a new lawyer was a good dinner companion with whom I shared the beginning experience of my daughter in her legal career. And, the views from the 51st floor of the Los Angeles downtown and skyline were spectacular.