The Fayette County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Fayette County Board of Education teamed up for the 14th annual Martin Luther King Jr. birthday commemoration program held Monday, the official holiday, at the F.A. Sams Auditorium in Fayetteville.
A parade through town kicked off the celebration, with this year’s theme “Making the Dream Count.�
Fayette County Schools Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis offered a welcome to begin the program, when he told the spirited audience “this celebration comes at the right time,� pointing out the seemingly unconquerable economic challenges impeding the country, as King also faced during his tumultuous journey to acquire freedom and equal rights for all mankind.
“This service gives us a time to reflect,� said DeCotis. “As we deal with the issues of our time, we should reflect on how Dr. King accomplished seemingly insurmountable challenges.�
Fayette County Commission Chairman Jack Smith echoed such sentiments when he presented a proclamation to Fayette County NAACP President John E. Jones for the chapter’s long-time public service efforts. Smith said the proclamation declared MLK Day 2010 as a day of service in Fayette County.
The county proclamation acknowledged that even in King’s death, the late civil rights leader continues to aspire improvement of human rights.
“We’re focusing on the mantra to make it a day on, not a day off,� said Smith.
Jones accepted the honor, before commending local public officials, school personnel, law enforcement and others for joining in the festivities. He especially recognized the many students on hand, who were the focus of this year’s event.
Guest speaker Justin Bryant, president of the Morehouse College chapter of the NAACP, drummed enthusiasm in his light-hearted, yet pivotal charge to peers in striving for success.
“Discipline is the restraint in the face of temptation,� he said. “The road to success is hard. There are many ups and downs in everything you do,� he asserted.
The junior and history major further encouraged them to let passion opposed to money be the driving force behind their career goals- an issue he had to come to grips with early in his undergraduate tenure at Morehouse.
Receiving thunderous applauses, a stellar performance was held by Fayette County High School alumna and Harvard freshman Noni Carter. The acclaimed poet and author shared excerpts from her latest work, “Good Fortune,� which she tied in to the value of education as King promoted in his civil rights efforts.
Dara Carter, her younger sister, also of Fayette County High School paid honor through an original song, expressing gratitude for King and pioneers who paved the way for younger generations to have freedom and education.
Local third-grade students were applauded for winning a 75-word essay, titled “What Can I Do Personally To Make Dr. King’s Dream Count?� An attendance award was also given to students in that grade level, along with senior academic achievement awards. State Football Championship winners Sandy Creek High School Football Team was also recognized for their diligent work this year.
The Olivet Church Youth Choir was also on hand to give two heartwreching selections.
The NAACP later announced its membership appeal for 1,000 people to partner up in their mission. Stressing King’s service work for equal rights, the community is also encouraged to complete the 2010 census forms, which determines funding for resources in the community.
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