First Posted: 1/16/2012
“His dream — embracing change” was the theme of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Richmond County.
In September, the MLK Committee, made up of smaller committees, begins planning for the gala, the prayer breakfast, the youth extravaganza, the ecumenical service, the parade and the luncheon.
Starting last Thursday, the poster and essay committee decorated the Calvin Little Room of the Leath Memorial Library in Rockingham with posters submitted to the contest.
On Friday, the MLK Committee hosted a gala at the East Hamlet Community Center.
“The gala was well attended,” said committee member Curtis Ingram. “Everybody had a nice time.”
“I danced,” said committee member Angeline David. “It was great. We had a crowd.”
On Saturday morning, the FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital hosted a prayer breakfast, in buffet style. Attendees said various religions and beliefs were represented, not just Christians.
Saturday evening, at the Leak Street Educational and Cultural Community Center in Rockingham, young people in the community put on the Youth Extravaganza. Winners of the essay contest read their essays, youth performed dances, songs and read some of King’s poetry.
“The youth came out with parents and presented their essays,” said Ingram. “All the winners showed up, and they were diverse; both races. There was a step team and even miming.”
“I think they really loved their trophies,” said David. “They each did a wonderful job and I was proud of who we picked. I was impressed. I’m proud of these children.”
David said that every child that took part in the poster and essay contest took part in embracing the dream, because they took the time to reflect on it.
On Sunday, an ecumenical service was held the First Presbyterian Church at 904 Fayetteville Road in Rockingham, with Rev. Dwight H. Williams as host pastor. The speaker was the Rev. Janice Ingram, pastor of Waymon Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, located in Hamlet.
“The sermon really brought it home,” said Ingram. “I think she did a great job. The choir sounded excellent and it was packed.”
Monday began with a parade down East Washington Street in Rockingham towards and into the old Richmond County Courthouse. The parade honored Elijah Peterson as grand marshal for his efforts in the African American community in Richmond County. Local mayors, community leaders, and U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell attended the event and spoke in honor of King.
Following the parade, the annual luncheon was held in Ellerbe at Sidney Grove Family Agape Center.
“The luncheon was wonderful,” said David. “Dr. Norris was our first-ever Caucasian speaker and I think he did a wonderful job. He used some quotes from King.” The main speaker was George C. Norris, superintendent of Richmond County Schools.
“Every year the luncheon is sold out,” said Ingram. “It was sold out this year. We are embracing the change by having our first non-African American speaker. He did a wonderful job.”
Ingram said he was pleased with the overall outcome of the King celebration, and he said it was due to the committee.
“As a community member I’m glad to see where hard work went. We got out and did team work. We have a great team, everybody stays on task and we have good communication.”
— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at [email protected].