Specially invited keynote speakers and honored guests gathered for the Press Conference to highlight The Phoenix Newspapers 5th Anniversary Gala Dinner & Awards Celebration and also pay homage to the woman whose fearless courage and vision created a day that promises to be unique and supportive in its concept. Held at the world class Hotel Indigo at The Cube in Birmingham, they came from near and far to flag-up what is to come.
Hosted by Paul Harrison of PK Media and televised by Boom TV and Big Centre TV, in the presence of distinguished royalty, namely HRH Ohene Nana Agyemang Nyamekye Amlak, the Aduana Head of Kwakye Dida Nsuta Ashanti in Ghana, plus business and community leaders, American radio personality and Consulting/Operations Executive, Dr. Erica A. Murray, who made a 24-hour, three time-change round-trip, from her home in Texas, spoke in great depth of the similarities in the vision of legendary Indian independence movement leader, Mahatma Gandhi, and The Phoenix Newspaper’s founder and Managing Editor Marcia McLaughlin.
She said: “I am so happy and honoured to be here. This is very significant.” Quoting the great Mahatma Gandhi’s; ‘being the change you want to see in the world,’ she aligned it to Marcia’s vision. “That quote was prophetic and out of this world,” she said. “He challenged us to a greater dimension and, like Gandhi, Marcia infiltrated the big boys whilst building her wide and diverse community. She is a ‘Change Agent’ and ‘Trailblazer.’ The world is waiting for people like Marcia.”
Erica travelled all the way from the US, to spend one day here, to make sure you didn’t miss out on this press conference. That in itself is inspirational. Through his linguist, Divinity, Ohene Nana, present with his trusted aide, Abebe Shango Walé, said: “I wish The Phoenix Newspaper great success. It is something that touches my heart. I have visited the UK to uplift my people. You, Marcia, are uplifting your person…which means everybody. You are truly blessed!”
Satinder Kaur Taunque OBE, Deputy Lieutenant to the Queen, emphasized the power of The Phoenix Newspaper for doing good in and for communities. She said: “I am truly blessed to be associated with Marcia. She and her newspaper are motivational, empowering and inspiring.”
“There is a thin line between ‘I can’ and ‘Can I’ and Marcia makes us believe that ‘I can. The 5th Anniversary Celebrations will be a reflection of that.”
This was a thought which was repeated by Dr. Saroj Duggal, MD at Crownsway Insurance Brokers Ltd, saying: “Marcia, who so brilliantly brings cultures together, inspires me in a way as she does with others which will be showcased on the day.”
Business Development Manager at Birmingham City Council, Garry Peal, said: “The Phoenix Newspaper has made a massive impact on all our communities and the 5th Anniversary will only highlight the mark it has made.”
Hector Shakes, Director at Reach One Teach One, a C.I.C. aimed at empowering children and young people, who is in control of the exciting Jamaican Grand Market at the event, said: “What a great concept by Marcia and I am only too proud to be part of it.”
Ms McLaughlin, who gave mention to all the individuals and companies who have stuck by her, through thick and thin, cited her son, Mark Dwayne, as her inspiration, thanked the guests and The Phoenix Newspaper team in what proved to be an emotional speech. She said: “Mark is the reason I do what I do. I serve the communities because I love seeing people smile. That, in itself, is a blessing for me.” She also acknowledged the inspiration and strength bestowed upon her by the Almighty.
A press conference full of heart, integrity and high on emotion, was finally topped off with a rendition of Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud,’ by The Phoenix Newspaper’s own Head of Production, Daniel Riley, which had everybody taking part and feeling the love that was the core here, and the whole ethos that is The Phoenix Newspaper.
If you were not one of the invited guests for the Press Conference, come along to our 5th Anniversary on the 5th December 2015 where you will be blown away by the connection of communities and the celebration of the Commonwealth and all that is great about our city and country.
