HYANNIS ─ More than 150 Cape Cod community members attended a local talent show hosted by 1199SEIU members. One of the themes of the talent show spotlighted the problem of homelessness on the Cape.



The talent show featured a rousing tribute to the historic 50th anniversary of the March on Washington that was a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. The tribute was narrated by Cape Cod NAACP Vice President John Reed. Speeches on homelessness on the Cape were also made. Acts included singers, dance groups, a rapper, and a few bands, all of whom did a great job of showcasing their talents and entertaining community members.



“It was a beautiful success. People said the talent was great. It was really nice. I personally liked the dancers myself,” said Bernard Bowens, a chef and 1199SEIU delegate at Cape Cod Hospital who coordinated the production of the show, along with 1199SEIU member James Pearson.



Bernard said that the goal in producing the show was two-fold:



“We wanted to get our union membership involved and show that there is diversity in our union. We wanted to give back to the community,” he said.



A special thanks went out to 1199SEIU members Linda Gregoire, Debra Greene, Charlee Voss, Teresia Fitzgerald, Jonathan Thompson, 1199SEIU Administrative Organizer Marie Elder, and 1199SEIU Vice President Jerry Fishbein.



The Housing Assistance Corporation of Cape Cod, The Zion Union Heritage Museum, the NAACP of Cape Cod and Cape Cod Hospital also sponsored and contributed to the event