Photo courtesy Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Prince George’s County Chapter.
Jason P. Dacanay performs his poem We Are Still Standing at the 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Prince George’s County Chapter held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt.
Still Standing: A Teen Poet Reflects on the Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast
By JASON P. DACANAY
At just 17 years old, I had the honor of performing my original poem, We Are Still Standing, before an audience of more than 400 people at the 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Prince George’s County Chapter at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt. As Mr. Top Teen for the Top Teens of America Prince George’s County Chapter, this moment was both humbling and unforgettable.
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POEM:
We Are Still Standing
I live in a world built off the blood of my people
All these problems flooding my head,
It makes my mind foggy,
And I can’t go to bed
How can I with the knowledge I have?
Two generations ago down my family vines,
Both grandparents of mine had to deal with “colored” signs
Had my people on the sidelines like they ain’t enough
No matter what, we still remained tough
But in the end, we’re the ones thats hand cuffed
I wish you could call my bluff,
But this stuff is real
Those hateful people can try all they want to steal and conceal my history
But I know who I am
It is no mystery
And something else is scary
Some of my own don’t know the truth about their home
White washing has thrown the truth over their heads
Deep into the unknown cus’ the schools have not shown the true darkness that’s a search away on your phone
But as I’ve grown and the more I’ve known,
I’m more than disgusted with the hate we went through
How can someone be so mean?
There’s so many infuriating images and videos I’ve seen
We weren’t seen as human beings with feelings
Will the U.S ever be “us?”
Lord willing
Police and policies patrol philosophies of control
It’s such a cruel hand taking hold
The man in office couldn’t be more cold
And there’s too much he’s done for just me to unfold
It’s like we’re going back in time
The people in power don’t share a common mind-
So we’re staring in the face of hate again
That’s the same hate they say will make America great again
I’ve come to realize
For America to rise it’s a matter of Black Lives
So “Still I Rise” in others hateful eyes
I won’t give up, no matter how hard they despise-
We are not about to turn back,
We are on the move now!
No racism or hate will stop us!
No law against us will hold us!
No comment will tear us down!
No actions will halt us!
We are on the move I say!
And like an idea whose time has come
We are right there
Gradually moving to that forgiving tomorrow
And with the consistent hate and oppression I say to you,
However difficult the hour,
However frustrating the moment,
It won’t be long
Ignited for Service and United for Change, we are
To have come this far with all of these scars,
We are STILL standing.
No lie will live forever and justice will come
You reap what you sowe,
So I know we gon’ be alright
We are what? Still standing!
Through God almighty we are lead through the shadows
No dwelling on our past but becoming stronger from it
We are what? Still standing!
Like my people before me,
My eyes have seen the glory
I know my people’s story!
We are what? Still standing!
The trumpets will blow with sounds of freedom,
Never retreat!
It will lift up the hearts of our people to never give up
Follow the footsteps of The Lord cus’ our God is marching on
To that I say,
“Glory, Hallelujah”
“Glory, Hallelujah”
And “Glory, Hallelujah”
—Jason P. Dacanay
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Standing at the podium, my hands were shaking and my voice trembled as I looked out at a room filled with community leaders, families, and supporters. But, I reminded myself that backing down was not an option. I pushed through the fear, trusted my words, and finished what I started. Seeing the warm smiles, hearing the applause, and feeling the connection from such a large audience made the experience incredibly rewarding. I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to share my voice on such a meaningful stage.
My poem was inspired by a deep dive into history. I drew influence from music, documentaries, movies, and speeches by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and former President Barack Obama. I also listened closely to music such as “Letter to the Free” by Common, which influenced several lines in my poem.
Through We Are Still Standing, I wanted the audience to go back in time—to feel my words, my emotions, and even my pain. While I have not personally experienced the hatred my ancestors faced, their stories live within me. Many of them are no longer here to tell those stories themselves, so I felt it was important to carry that flame forward and honor their resilience.
Dr. King’s values of service, justice, and unity strongly connect to how I see myself as a young leader today. Service is something I truly enjoy, whether it’s cleaning streets or helping distribute food in the community. Justice reminds me that even though I am young, my voice still matters and deserves respect. Unity shows up in how I connect with others—I love building relationships and being someone people can rely on. During my performance, I felt that sense of unity in the room, as the audience connected not only with my poem, but with Black history.
Participating in the prayer breakfast has deepened my understanding of Dr. King’s legacy. I used to think of him mainly as the “I Have a Dream” speaker, but I now see him as a powerful example of courage, leadership, and collective action. His influence inspires me to want to make an impact, change lives, and inspire others.
In addition to performing, I enjoyed meeting new people and connecting with the community throughout the event. The breakfast reminded me of the power of coming together with a shared purpose. Despite the struggles of the past and present, Dr. King’s message remains clear—we are still standing.
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Bowie Mayor Timothy Adams Appointed to Fill District 4 Council Vacancy
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Council Media
On Friday, January 23, the Prince George’s County Council appointed Timothy J. Adams, the Mayor of Bowie, to serve as the new District 4 Council Member, filling the vacancy created by Ingrid S. Watson’s resignation. Adams, an accomplished community leader with more than 30 years of experience in business, government, and philanthropy, was selected from a list of seven candidates.
“We congratulate Mayor Adams and look forward to him joining us on the Council,” said Council Chair Krystal Oriadha (District 7). “In welcoming the first Council Member to serve while using a wheelchair, we celebrate a milestone in inclusivity. I know his leadership will inspire us to prioritize accessibility and representation in our legislative efforts.”
Adams has served as the Mayor of Bowie since 2019, the first African American mayor in the city’s history. He is also the founder, president, and CEO of Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH), a Defense Department contracting firm founded in 1989 and headquartered in Prince George’s County. He is a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and a former chairperson and member of the Bowie State University Foundation, which provides scholarships to deserving students. Adams also serves as a member of more than a dozen philanthropic, business, education, or healthcare boards and commissions, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the University System of Maryland Foundation.
“District 4 reflects many of the same priorities I’ve addressed at the municipal level, including strong schools, reliable transportation, affordability, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful development that serves existing communities as well as future generations,” Adams told the Council during Friday’s public selection process. “My commitment is to listen first, govern responsibly, and be a reliable partner focused on advancing the best interests of District 4 and Prince George’s County as a whole.”
Pursuant to the County Code, when there is a vacancy in the Office of a Council Member that occurs during the last year of a term, a majority of the remaining Council Members make an appointment to fill the vacancy.
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National Park Service Awards $24,437 to the Accokeek Foundation to Promote Cultural Tourism and Economic Development in Southern Maryland
By PRESS OFFICER
Accokeek Foundation
Accokeek, Md. (Jan. 27, 2026)—The Accokeek Foundation has been awarded $24,437.04 by the National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways to implement Accokeek Reimagined: Xuyawatuney Tëmixèq Mòyaon (We Welcome All to Mòyaon), a cultural tourism initiative launching in January 2026. Grounded in more than two years of interpretive research, the project will feature signature public events and three community workshops designed to elevate awareness of the Chesapeake region’s rich cultural, historical, and environmental legacy.
Signature events will include a June community celebration commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary and an October Indigenous People’s Day celebration. These gatherings will feature cultural performances, storytelling, educational activities, and facilitated dialogue to foster deeper understanding of Indigenous histories and living cultures rooted in Piscataway Park and the surrounding region.
The National Park Service is proud to support the Accokeek Foundation’s leadership in stewarding Piscataway Park as a place where history, culture, and living traditions come together,” said Serena Bellew, Superintendent of National Capital Area Parks–East. “These commemorative events and community workshops create meaningful opportunities for people to engage with the Indigenous and shared histories of this landscape, while strengthening cultural tourism and economic vitality in Southern Maryland. We are excited to see this initiative bring new and returning visitors into deeper relationship with this remarkable place.
Accokeek Reimagined emerged from a vision to more fully honor Piscataway Park as a living cultural landscape shaped by Indigenous knowledge, shared histories, and enduring relationships to land and water,” said Anjela Barnes, Executive Director of the Accokeek Foundation. “This initiative reflects our commitment to welcoming communities into deeper connection with this place, while advancing cultural tourism, stewardship, and economic vitality across Southern Maryland.
The Accokeek Foundation’s mission is to cultivate passion for the natural and cultural heritage of Piscataway Park and inspire stewardship and sustainability. Through this initiative, the Foundation will bring together residents, visitors, and community partners to explore the region’s heritage, with a focus on the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers and their tributaries.
“By centering dialogue, cultural celebration, and place-based learning, this project strengthens public awareness of the Chesapeake’s rich resources,” said Tiara Thomas, Managing Deputy Director of the Accokeek Foundation. “It will draw visitors to the region, support local businesses, and reinforce the importance of preserving Southern Maryland’s cultural and environmental heritage.”
Through Accokeek Reimagined, the Accokeek Foundation aims to create lasting community impact, deepening connection, pride, and understanding of the Chesapeake region’s unique history among both residents and visitors.
This project is funded through National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways (NPS Chesapeake Gateways), which offers competitive grant opportunities to advance the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act of 1998 within the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed. Chesapeake Gateways grants inspire and help people discover, experience, and connect with Chesapeake Places and Experiences across its rivers, landscapes, and communities to enhance stewardship, heritage, and outdoor tourism economies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
As a partner of the National Park Service in Piscataway Park, the Accokeek Foundation stewards over 300 acres of the park. By honoring the park’s river location, the Piscataway people, and the sacredness of this land, the Accokeek Foundation seeks to share with people and communities the value that this land holds. Visit us at www.accokeek.org, on Facebook www.facebook.com/AccokeekFoundation and Instagram www.instagram.com/accokeek_foundation/
Established by Congress in 1998, National Park Service Chesapeake Gateways is a partnership network and community assistance program coordinated by the National Park Service. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the program serves the full 41-million-acre Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting and promoting authentic Chesapeake experiences for local communities
and visitors. Visit us at www.nps.gov/Chesapeake, on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChesapeakeNPS and Instagram www.Instagram.com/ChesapeakeNPS
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