Noted author Steve Pemberton serves as keynote at Northwell’s 49th annual Martin Luther King Jr. memorial celebration

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From left, Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling with performer Cartier Williams and noted author and motivational speaker Steve Pemberton, who served as keynote speaker for Northwell Health’s 49th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration. (Photo courtesy of Northwell Health)
 
For the 49th consecutive year, employees of Northwell Health gathered together to honor the teachings and visions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. During his opening remarks at North Shore University Hospital, Northwell President CEO Michael J. Dowling referred to King as “a unifier” and encouraged the more than 400 attendees – and hundreds of others watching remotely at 33 facilities across the health system – to “reflect on what we do day, and tomorrow, and all future tomorrows” in a communal effort to affect positive change.
 
He also acknowledged Kenneth Gray, son of the late Bob McGhee, who started the health system’s first MLK Day event a half-century ago at North Shore University Hospital. This year’s keynote speaker was Steve Pemberton, best-selling author, human resources executive and motivational speaker. His autobiographical book turned Netflix film, “A Chance in the World,” chronicles his beginnings as a foster child through an extraordinary life journey that led him to Boston College and to success in the corporate world.
 
During his childhood, Pemberton suffered abuse and neglect at the hands of a cruel foster family in Massachusetts, eventually overcoming feelings of worthlessness thanks to his love of reading, academic prowess, and mentors who recognized his talent and potential. The book’s title came from one of his first babysitters, who understood the misery of his young life and told him he “didn’t have a chance in the world.” During his stirring presentation, Pemberton spoke emotionally about the people in his early life who made a difference by offering such simple kindnesses as free books, a kind word, or a place to stay. “We all have different stories,” he said. “But if you take the time, you realize that you have extraordinarily similar chapters. Labels are misleading; we must learn to look beneath the label to see more of the person inside.”
 
Currently, Pemberton serves as the chief human resources officer for Globoforce, a Massachusetts-based leading provider of social recognition and performance development solutions. His tireless advocacy for disenfranchised Americans has earned him many awards and recognitions, including the prestigious Horizon Award from the US Congress. In honor of King, Pemberton urged his audience to “find a house with a light on,” reminding them that “if you want to be great, you must be good first.”
 
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