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King Parade held Monday in Atmore
After the Martin Luther King Day Parade, the celebration of his birthday and life’s work continued in the Hodnett Auditorium at Escambia County High School. With the Rev. Humphrey Shuford presiding, the program started with recognition of the parade’s Grand Marshal’s. They were Atmore City Councilman Chris Walker and ECHS assistant principal Linda Shuford.
The ECHS marching band played Lift Every Voice and Sing.
The scripture minister was Jamel Moore and the invocation was delivered by Elder Louis Banks.
After a greeting by Concerned Citizens President Wayne Gray Sr., Escambia County Board of Education member Willie J. Grissett played Holy Holy and Precious Memories. Precious Memories was one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s favorite hymns.
The guest speaker was Dr. Woodrow McClain Parker. Parker is a 1959 graduate of the Escambia County Training School and served as a professor at the University of Florida. During his speech, he talked about us becoming part of what Dr. King referred to as the “beloved community.”
He said to become part of the beloved community you must have a vision of where you want your community to go.
“King Soloman said when you have no vision you parrish,” he said. “One of the things that keeps us from moving toward having a beloved community is the lack of knowledge we have of one another.”
The beloved community is only accomplished through change. Parker reminded everyone that Michael Jackson sang a song about change and recited lyrics from his song.
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror,” he said. “I’m asking him to change his ways.” Parker said change can be a good thing if you’re not afraid of it.
He also said to achieve the beloved community we have to practice compassion every day of our lives.
“Compassion is to see through the eyes of another,” he said. And, it requires you walk in someone else’s shoes.”
During the event, the ECHS Sounds of Atmore sang Wake Up Everybody, and a gospel rap was performed by Jamel Moore. Wayne Gray Jr. performed a reality rap. Chester Poindexter delivered Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech. The service ended with everyone singing We Shall Over Come.
Pictured, Dr. Woodrow McClain Parker speaks during the ceremony held at ECHS.
MLK prayer breakfast held Saturday morning
The Annual Prayer Breakfast honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held Saturday morning at Gaines Chapel AME Church. The breakfast was sponsored by Concerned Citizens of Atmore and Unity in the Community.
After the service started with a welcome from James McNeil, memorial prayers were given by the Rev. Robert Davis, the Rev. Joseph Williams, the Rev. Harold Askew and the Rev. Michael Wilson. The prayers represented peace, love, joy, faith and unity respectively.
Atmore Mayor Howard Shell was present for the service and greeted those attending. Entertainment was provided by Vania and Aryanna Gray, Birdie Williams and Deacon Reginald McCants. The keynote speaker for the occasion was Bishop Willie L. Williams, pastor Jones Street Holiness Church.
“Just like our walk with Jesus, Dr. King walked,” Williams said. “He walked in faith and truth, and we’re all better off today because of his walk.”
Mona Simmons presents a certificate to Bishop Willie Williams for being keynote speaker at the prayer breakfast Saturday morning.
PCRC presents annual MLK program
The Progressive Civic and Recreational Club (PCRC) held their 24th Annual Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Sunday afternoon at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. PCRC members conducted the service, and Mt. Pisgah’s pastor, the Rev. Michael Wilson, brought the message.
Shown are some of the PCRC members during the MLK program at Mt. Pisgah Church Sunday afternoon. From left, Cornell Torrence, Alfred Johnson, Geraldine Jefferson, Frank Jones and Herbert Payne.
Members of the PCRC are Herbert Payne, president; Geraldine Jefferson, president-elect; Barbara Poole Harris, secretary; George Mosby, treasurer; Robert White, chaplain; Frank Jones, parliamentarian; John Williams, historian; Janice Cassidy; Cornell Torrence; Alfred Johnson; Ruby White; Daniel Lyles; Annie Poole; John Phillips; Mildred Poindexter; and Letha Walker.
Deceased members are G.L. Thomas, T.M. Williams, Albert Hixon, Bishop Lyons, Henry P. Walton, Willie Bynum, Lee Byrd, Eldred Pritchett, and John Watkins. The church was almost filled Sunday afternoon as folks gathered to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Daniel Lyles gave the Scripture reading, Psalm 24, followed by prayer by Deacon Chester Poindexter.
The welcome was presented by George Mosby, and Barbara Poole Harris gave the occasion. Nicholas Salter did a reading of I Have a Dream, Dr. King’s famous speech. Special music was presented by Robert White and by the Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church Choir.
Pictured at top, Women of Distinction on their float during the Martin Luther King Day Parade.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade Queens, at left, is tenth grader Rainey January, and, fourth grader Terrianna McNeil.
At left, one of the parade participants carried this sign with a message for everyone. At right, members of the Escambia County High School marching band perform in the Dr. Martin Luther King Day Parade.
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