A capacity crowd of more than 300 gathered Saturday for the annual Leadership and Grand Marshal Breakfast held at Historic Dorchester Academy, kicking off a series of observances of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday in Liberty County.
Speaking on the topic of leadership, with the emphasis on progress, was the Rev. Hermon Scott, pastor of Baconton Missionary Baptist Church, who was introduced by his wife of 36 years, Dr. Pamela Scott.
Citing the movement toward justice and equality as promised in the U.S. Constitution, the Rev. Scott said the movement progressed through Reconstruction to Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her bus seat in Montgomery, Alabama, that city’s subsequent bus boycott and King’s leadership of the civil rights movement.
Scott called this “a continued effort towards justice, equality and freedom,” stemming from the “days of the Founding Fathers.”
He urged continuous movement toward freedom and equality, “As we live in perilous times.”
Acknowledging today’s calls for law and order and the current cry from some to “take back the country,” Scott said, “The question I ask is, who took it from you?”
He urged the crowd to keep the movement going forward. He noted that leaders are not necessarily well-known people, but that they are often just ordinary folks. His speech drew a standing ovation.
Paulette Robertson was the mistress of ceremonies. Other speakers included Oraetta Henderson, Chelsea Beverly, Minister Anthony Johnson, Karen Jones-Jemison, Midway Mayor Dr. Clemontine Washington, the Rev. Debbie Morse and the Rev. Alvin L. Jackson, who gave the benediction. The five-man Baconton Missionary Baptist Church Male Chorus sang songs of praise.
The “Passing of the Torch” was conducted by Vicky Allen in a presentation marking the transfer of duties from the 2015 MLK Parade Grand Marshal Sallie Richardson to 2016 Grand Marshal Jim Thomas, the former Hinesville mayor.
The breakfast was catered by executive chef Efrin DeHart of Lena Mae’s Country Café, with Breakfast Committee co-Chairwomen Yvonne Woods and Debra Frazier and members Vicky Allen, Anitra Golden, Laucenia Frasier, Kimberly Robinson, Marsha Simmons and Deacon Joseph Wynn.
The breakfast sponsor was Minister Edna Walthour.