More than a hundred Huntsville residents packed the Martin Luther King Center Monday afternoon to celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On the eve of the inauguration of the first African-American president of the United States, Barack Obama, much of the event was geared toward the spirit of hope and the promise a bright future as envisioned by Dr. King.
Shortly after the event’s opening remarks, Huntsville Mayor J. Turner presented Percy Howard Jr. with a plaque commemorating his 25 years of service on Huntsville’s MLK Program Committee.
Turner praised Howard’s energy and tireless commitment to his community.
“Percy has not stopped. I don’t even think he’s slowed down,” Turner said. “He is an incredible guy. He’s a guy who has a dream for our community.”
After prayer, singing and responsive reading, the audience heard a brief presentation from Steven Levingston of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., who spoke on the ongoing Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project in Washington, D.C.
Levingston addressed the youth in attendance with a challenge to their potential, citing Obama as an example.
“As of tomorrow, your president looks just like you do,” he said.
Levingston then introduced four community youth who read brief excerpts from King’s greatest speeches.
The readings were followed by what has become an MLK Day tradition in Huntsville, the singing of “The Impossible Dream” by Dr. Gary Hood of Sam Houston State University.
After Hood’s performance, Michelle McKenzie of the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County introduced the day’s keynote speaker, Dr. Naomi Lede.
Lede spoke to the day’s chosen theme, “Beyond the Dream: Impact of the New Vision,” and made numerous connections between King and Obama.
“Dr. King will look down on President Obama tomorrow with pride as he takes the oath of office,” Lede said. “His vision was all-inclusive. It was one of faith, hope and love.”
The event ended with the traditional singing of “We Shall Overcome” led by Rev. Keith Williams Sr. and a benediction by Rev. Michael C. Davis Sr.
Local News
January 19, 2009
Residents celebrate MLK Jr.’s birthday
- Local News
-
-
Black History Scholarship Musical
- Vandals strike Elkins Lake
-
Highway 19 ramps are closing
- SHSU working to prevent pest’s impact on sugarcane
- SHSU hosts Indian Country jail officials
-
Tourism numbers up for Walker County
From commercials to television shows and even a web video, Walker County was in the spotlight in 2011.
The new year is shaping up to be successful for tourism as well, according to Kimm Thomas, director of tourism and cultural services for the city of Huntsville. -
Survey: Budget cuts affect children
A study from the Texas chapter of the American Federation of Teachers showed that the state's $5.4 billion in education funding cuts is affecting Texas students.
-
Basketball show features local celebrities
-
Faculty up for critique
-
Police warn citizens of phone scams
The Huntsville Police Department wants to alert the community about a rash of phone scams where people are trying to trick others out of their hard-earned money.
- More Local News Headlines
-
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
