RICHMOND COUNTY – Every year, the nation takes a day off of work and school during the cold days of January to honor the life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was A man who made it his life’s mission to unify and motivate people to better the world around them through sit ins, marches, and his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
Even after 55 years since that speech, King’s words and actions have inspired millions of people around the world, including many individuals in Richmond County today.
Some local citizens were so inspired by King’s words that they have made it their mission to not only apply his teachings to their own daily lives, but to promote his ideas to their fellow residents.
Originating in 1984 in Hamlet under the direction of JC Watkins, the Richmond County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Foundation Committee was formed.
Since the start, its members of the Celebration Foundation have made it their mission to host not just one day of recognition for King, but rather an entire weekend’s worth of celebratory festivities. This year, they are doing so with four full days of events to the theme of “Never Lose Hope: Unity Wins.”
As explained by committee member, Curtis Ingram, this year’s theme was inspired directly by King’s messages.
“Martin Luther King stood for all races,” Ingram noted. “He spoke for everybody and wanted everyone to be on an equal playing field.”
Within what many would consider to be a state of turmoil, it is evident that the need for such an inspirational and unifying message is just as great today as it was during King’s time.
By looking ahead to their extensive lineup of programs, it is evident that the committee has gone above and beyond to bring this theme to life and spread this message to area residents. Boasting a total of six events set across the county, and geared toward people of all ages, there is no doubting that there will be something for everyone.
To kickstart this weekend of unity and hope, the committee will host an MLK Gala at Liberty Place in downtown Rockingham from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. All attendees will have an opportunity to show off their dance moves and trendy threads as they dance the night away at this semi-formal function.
Like all of their weekend’s events, the Gala is open to the public. Tickets are $10, and include dinner along with the evening of dancing. Individuals interested in attending this event may purchase tickets ahead of time from Ingram or Dot Bynum, or at the door on the night of the event.
The weekend’s events will continue Saturday morning with a Prayer Breakfast at FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham. Much less formal than Friday evening’s gala, this event is completely casual and designed as an opportunity for people to drop in, enjoy a meal, and surround themselves with kindness and fellowship. This free event will begin at 9 a.m., and is open for people of all ages.
Shortly after the Prayer Breakfast concludes, the Celebration Foundation committee’s next event will begin.
Slightly different than most parades Richmond County citizens are used to seeing, the organization’s annual Commemorative Parade and March is sure to leave parade-goers inspired and motivated to make changes in the world around them.
Starting at 11 a.m., all school, church, social, and professional organizations walking in the march will assemble at the Leath Memorial Library for check-in and line up assignments. At noon, the march will begin as participants and attendees will march their way from the corner of E. Washington Street and Rockingham Road towards the Richmond County Courthouse.
Upon arriving to the courthouse, everyone will make their way inside to hear a unifying message from local law enforcement professionals, as well as a performance by the Richmond Senior High School choir.
“We usually have politicians who come out and speak at the parade, but this year because our theme is unity, we are going to have law enforcement provide the speech,” elaborated Ingram.
Representatives from nearly every sector of local law enforcement will be present to spread this shared message of unity and inspire hope in all. A powerfully moving gesture that couldn’t come at a more fitting time.
For its fourth event of the weekend, the committee is directing its attention to children at its Youth Extravaganza. This free event is set to begin at 7 p.m. within the Leak Street Educational and Cultural Center in Rockingham. The night will be filled with moving musical performances and inspiring speeches by dozens of the area’s children and young adults.
As the weekend progresses, the organization will shift focus yet again toward an ecumenical service that will take place at 7 p.m. Sunday evening. Hosted by Pastor Dr. Jim Nelson at First Baptist Church in Rockingham, this service will include the musical stylings of the MLK/JC Watkins Choir and guest speaker, Vice Bishop David M. Brown of Christ Memorial Church.
The Celebration Foundation Committee will conclude the weekend with its annual luncheon in Ellerbe at the Sidney Grove Agape Center. In addition to the meal and fellowship, this year’s event will also include a presentation by speaker Wayne Goodwin, Chairperson of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
But, Ingram cautions for anyone who is interested in attending this event should look to purchase tickets soon. The annual luncheon, which has a total of 500 available seats, is a sellout every year. Tickets are just $12 and can be purchased from any MLK Jr. Celebration Foundation Committee chairperson, or by calling 910-582-0848.
To top off the weekend of celebration, the Committee will also have a poster exhibit on display at Leath Memorial Library. All items in the exhibit were submitted by local youth through a contest organized in conjunction with Richmond County Schools.
“We’re a very diverse group” concluded Ingram. “We invite everyone to come out and support this cause.”
For those with questions about any of these events, or are interested in learning more about the Richmond County Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Foundation Committee, they are encouraged to reach out to Curtis Ingram at 910-206-1240, or any current MLK member. They can also follow the organization’s official page on Facebook.
