The homogenous but hopeful crowd of smiling faces that marched into the courthouse from Franklin St. Monday morning brought the reality of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream to life. Black Richmond County was there - singing, clapping, listening, praying - and calling, in good faith, on fellow citizens of every color to support the unity that MLK day represents.

“Today, we must do God’s will,” said Dr. Fred McQueen, President of the Richmond County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. “I don’t see enough white people here, and that makes our task even greater.”

“We must remember to love, because love can change the hearts of all people,” said Antonio Blue, mayor of Dobbins Heights. “Barack Obama was elected President by all people. Twenty percent of them were black, but the rest were of other races. They had to love him to vote for him. Barack Obama got all those people to love him.”

The ideals of Dr. King echoed through the packed courtroom as local officials emphasized the need to unite for a better Richmond County.

“In 2008 we saw part of Dr. King’s dream come true,” said Rockingham Mayor Gene McLaurin. “Now it’s up to us to work together and love one another.”

“The road has not been easy, and it won’t be smooth sailing from here,” said Mayor JoAnne Thomas of Hoffman. “But I know that if we work together, woman to woman, man to man, I have no doubt, people, ‘Yes We Can,’”

“We must change the way we think,” said McQueen. “Don’t expect Barack Obama to solve all our problems. Everybody talks about change. Well it’s here, it’s now and we have to be a part of it.”

Both McQueen and Paulette Wall brought to life the reality of the county’s hungry and homeless populations, and told everyone present to take action now.

“Why can’t we support our own soup kitchen?” said McQueen. “What are you going to do about your neighbors, about the elderly who don’t have any heat for their homes, who don’t have anything to eat?”

“If your church is not part of a soup kitchen, join one that is,” said Wall.

Hamlet Mayor Jeff Smart spoke the difficulties that face today’s America, like unemployment, home foreclosures and lack of health insurance, but mirrored the optimistic spirit of an encouraging audience.

“We all stand here, proud to be American, and we know a better time is coming.”

Attendants were uplifted through prayer, song and performance from various groups, like the youth of Poplar Grove Baptist Church. With outstretched arms and joyful grins, the children interpreted the lyrics of “I Believe I Can Fly” with a dance in the front of the room.

“We still have a long way to go to achieve true equality for our children,” said Smart. “But kids, as long as you keep believing, I know that you really can fly.”