MLK event focuses on prayer, planning, equity and service
The Davidson County Democratic Party hosted the second (virtual due to COVID) annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Coffee & Tea Unity Prayer on Monday, January 17. Organizers called for a moment of unity in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. facilitated by JacQuez Johnson, DCDP chair.
After a musical selection by Toni McCullough of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the program proceeded as Councilor Wendy Sellars – of Thomasville City Council, brought greetings to the online audience.
Sellars said, “This is a chance for us to come together as a community to come together…in reflection. Many holidays we spend at home with family and friends relaxing…but there is something about Dr. King’s legacy that makes this holiday unique.”
The councilwoman continued, “People fail to get along because they fear each other. Get to know your neighbors.”
Sellars shared hopes that the snowy holiday would inspire and inform acts of service. “Our road might be icy and the COVID numbers are high. But we can plan what we are going to do when the ice melts.”
She closed with, “Your community needs you.”
Charles (Pic) Clark, president NAACP – Davidson County Chapter, Lexington, NC branch, greeted guests with an invitation to join the organization. He referred to the legacy of King and strength in numbers. “Remember, it’s a day on, not a day off…Give honor year after year for his journey.”
Tonya Lanier, the party’s second vice chair, introduced Dr. Bobbie Richardson, NC Democratic Party chair, to share a reflection of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life Legacy. “We are here to celebrate with you…His tenacity and leadership were influential in creating progress to a more just and equitable future,” Richardson said. “Dr. Martin Luther King made the ultimate sacrifice…”
Richardson focused on King’s service and his speech, A Knock at Midnight. A famous line from the speech mentions having a “back against the wall.” This concept was repeated throughout Richardson’s speech. “We are at a knock at midnight. We are at a pivotal point.” She spoke about insurrections, violence and intimidation of local leaders representing a “knock.”
She was followed by an inspirational message from Dr. Goldie Byrd, Maya Angelou Health Equity. Byrd presented policy matters to consider. Her presentation focused on health disparities in health care, not biological, but existing from healthcare options from birth.
Quoting Dr. Angelou, Byrd offered, “Beneath the skin, beyond the differing features and into the true heart of being, fundamentally, we are more alike, my friend, than we are unalike.”
Byrd added, “Bless her heart, if only we were treated that way.”
Her reflection on health issues from Alzheimer’s to the treatment of infants were praised by participants. “If we don’t fight for our communities…we will face a second round of Jim Crow. I ask you to reflect on what your life memories will be.”
Johnson ended the gathering by encouraging people to run for local office. He said, “It’s time for us to get off the sidelines and get into the fight.”
