MLK Day celebration exalts leaders of the future
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Christian Manuel and Roxanne Acosta-Hellberg -
Georgine Guillory and Chasity Freeman-Richardson -
Alesha Wells, Erika Harris, Debbie Parker, Zena Stephens and Jackie Simien -
Gail Castille and Sharita Gardner
Southeast Texans attending the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group of Southeast Texas Brunch in Port Arthur were treated to food, friends and musical entertainment as hundreds of guests packed into the Bob Bowers Civic Center on Jan. 15 to celebrate the life of a man assassinated for dreaming – and working – for cohesiveness among races making up America.
Reflective of the dream, a crowd comprising many races stood to their feet as Taylor Getwood, also known as “The Fresh Prince of Port Arthur” and “The King of HBCU,” led attendees in three verses of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” following National Constable of the Year Christopher Bates, serving Port Arthur, invoking the same group to sing along with the National Anthem.
A welcome presented by state representative Christian Manuel, looking out over a crowd reflective of all colors of the community, reflected that, “This is what America looks like.
“We are in this together.”
Manuel was one of many torch recipients celebrated during the program. As the incoming State Representative for District 22, formerly a title held for decades by Joe Deshotel, the new state leader was selected by his peers at the Texas Legislature as “Freshman of the Year,” a distinction of distinction among the MLK Brunch crowd.
Receiving the torch of presiding over the Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group founded by her mother and the late Coretta Scott King, incoming president Terry Savoy-Hadley accepted the position with pride.
“I’ve been with the support group my whole life,” Savoy-Hadley said, inviting the attendees to be a part of something great by participation. “It doesn’t have to be something big to be something amazing.”
Although she was unable to attend in person, MLK Support Group founder Hargie Faye Savoy engaged those in attendance via phone, saying that, “In spirit, in mind and in heart, I am there.”
As she has for the last 38 years, Savoy said she was still celebrating King’s birthday “in grand fashion” as she will continue to do as long as the Lord allows.
“In love, in kindness, in deeds, and in service,” Savoy urged, “Let’s keep it moving.”
Madeline K. Savoy Excellence In Education awards were given to Dylan Getwood and Jayven Jean-Louis. MLK Honorees were named in Glenn Alexander II, Loretta Douglas, Germain Jackson Eddie, Erika Harris, Alysha Hill, Faisal N. Hussain, Stacey Lewis Jr. and Debbie Parker.
MLK Special Recognition Honorees included Constable Christopher Bates, O’Shaquie Foster, Taylor Getwood, Deondre B. Moore, Destiny Mosey and Toddrick Thomas.
Family and friends, gone but not forgotten, were remembered before the group parted ways for the day, full of brunch provided by Dickie’s BBQ, as well as inspiration from the word provided by guest speaker Bishop James Dixon. Additional entertainment was provided by musical performer Jordan Cordel Washington and dancers from Doll Girls Dance Studio.