The Liberty County Martin Luther King Jr., Observance Association, Inc. 2024 activities will begin January 12 and conclude January 15. The theme is Promoting Unity as We Preserve the Dream. Herman L. Baker, a retired educator, school social worker, school administrator, iconic scout leader and church and community leader, will be inducted as grand marshal.
Baker served for 38 years in the Liberty County School System. He also served for 49 years as a scout leader of Cub Pack 581. In addition, he serves as chairman of the Board of Deacons of Beech Hill Missionary Baptist Church, member of the Laymen’s Auxiliary of the Zion Missionary Baptist association is an active member of Limerick Lodge No. 437 (Prince Hall-Affiliate) and a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
“Herman Baker is a true public servant,” said Kenneth Howard, Hinesville city manager. “He has touched the lives of many young men through his long history in scouting. He is very deserving of this honor from the community he serves.”
Cultural Arts Night on Friday will feature a Love-It Productions dramatization “From Memory to History” highlighting local African American history, featuring local talent and the Liberty County Martin Luther King Male Choir. Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1370 Shaw Rd., is the host site for the 7 p.m. event.
The Annual Leadership Breakfast, hosted at the John McIver Auditorium at the Liberty County Community Complex, 9397 E. Oglethorpe Highway, Midway on January 13, 8:30 a.m. will feature Riceboro native, Georgia State University graduate, actor and filmmaker Carl Kadeem Brown as the keynote speaker. The grand marshal induction promises to be a program highlight. While open to the general public, community leaders are especially invited to attend.
The King Musical, a high energy youth gospel music event, is January 13 at 6 p.m., also at Mount Zion. Local elementary, middle and high school youth will be awarded prizes for the best entries capturing Liberty County’s theme of the King holiday.
The Commemorative service on January 14 at 5 p.m. at Mount Zion will feature Rev. Christie N. Conyers, senior pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, as the keynote speaker. Awards will be presented to Herman Baker, grand marshal; Nicole Reed and Jose Ortiz Jr., Trail Blazers; Tramel Walthour, Youth Award and SNF, Laucenia B. Frasier Community Service Award.
The 2024 activities will conclude with the city parade on January 15. Line up is at 7:30 a.m. at Bradwell Institute. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. through downtown Hinesville. Float awards will be made immediately following the parade. Onsite registration is available.
All funds collected during the celebration will benefit deserving graduating seniors from Bradwell Institute and Liberty County High School.
All events are open to the public.
“We strive to make Liberty County’s celebration first class,” said Donald Lovette, chairman of the Liberty County Board of Commissioners. “We make a special plea to have an enthusiastic and diverse audience to attend all activities. Let’s demonstrate unity.”