By Matthew Jackson
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.
