Groups host MLK events virtual and in person
MLK organizers have faced unique challenges the past two years in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, one of America’s most renowned civil rights leaders.
Featuring the 2022 theme of “No More Business as Usual,” the Thomasville MLK will host a series of in-person and live-streamed events to herald the life and legacy of King the weekend leading up to the holiday.
Thomasville events are primarily arts focused, according to Dr. George B. Jackson, pastor of Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship and chairman of the Martin Luther King Social Action Committee.
“We wanted to do something different…rather than having something with a program or a speaker. We wanted to let people share their gifts and talents.”
Additionally, the committee will celebrate scholarship recipients.
L-R; Krystenna Pinnix, 7th Place Skeen Family Scholarship Award $800; Kayla Robinson, 6th Place Dr. William T. Jackson Memorial Scholarship $1000; Alvaro Rodriguez Salas, 5th Place Ebony Alpha Ebony Service Organization Scholarship $1300; Kyndal Miller, 8th Place David M. Gordon Scholarship $600; Justeena Youmans-Royal, 1st Place Deboy Beamon Scholarship $3000; Adia Carter, 2nd Place Dr. J. Ray Butler Memorial Scholarship $2500; Taylor Rooks, 3rd Place Stanfield-Dalton Scholarship $2000; Alisse Page, 11th Place George Burton Memorial Scholarship $300; D'Andre Gaye, 4th Place Dr. W. E. Banks Memorial Scholarship Award $1500; Chloe Summey, 10th Place Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc~Joyce Torrence Scholarship $350; Brooklyn Collins, 9th Place Chris & Jesteen Richbourg Scholarship $400.
“By the favor of God, we were able to raise 20 or scholarships and awards…We have over 180 in scholarships.”
The weekend will include the MLK Community Service Award. Last year honorees of the 2020 MLK Community Service Award Winners
James H. Bloomfield and Brenda Smith Ward.
On Monday, January 17 from 8 – 10 a.m. the Davidson County Democratic party will host the 2nd Annual Coffee & Tea Unity Prayer lauding the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lexington events traditionally hosted by the NAACP have been canceled. President Charles “Pic” Clark said, “In hindsight, it was the best decision coming out of the holidays.” As Omicron variant numbers rise in Davidson County and the nation, NAACP Treasurer Rosa Terry encouraged people to observe the holiday “in a safe way.”
“We are still asking the community to observe and volunteer at a nonprofit while they are being safe,” Terry reiterated. “We are trying to get rid of the barriers in our community to become the beloved community and what Dr. Martin Luther King has spoken of.” Terry said the group hopes to return to in-person MLK holiday events next year. “We’re hoping that 2023 will be kinder to us. We will have a grip on this COVID. We’re praying and hoping.”
Registration is free for each event.
