Monday, January 15, 2018 marks what would have been the 89th birthday of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King played a pivotal role in the American civil rights movement during the mid-1950s and 60s until his untimely death in 1968 when he was assassinated. He worked diligently with others in an effort to seek equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and all victims of racial injustice. He utilized peaceful protests and was instrumental in events including the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington where he delivered his widely known “I Have a Dream” speech. His non-violent efforts helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Acts. His tireless efforts also earned him the TIME “Man of the Year” award and the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, the youngest person to receive this award. Since 1986, Dr. King is remembered each year on the third Monday of January, known as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
In observance of this holiday, the 3P (Pondering and Planning with a Purpose) Ministry, along with the Citizens in Alliance have scheduled a weekend of events which includes a MLK Awards banquet, a prayer breakfast, annual march and Dr. King program.
To begin the festivities, the first annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards banquet is slated for Friday, January 12, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Zion District Building, located at 213 Justy Street in Winona. Dr. Dolphus Weary is the keynote speaker for this event. Dr. Weary, a native of Mendenhall, MS has devoted his life to “Christian community development” in Mississippi. He began serving as executive director of Mission Mississippi in 1998 and was later named President in 2005. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in biology, a Master’s degree in Christian education, and an additional Master’s in Christian education administration. He also holds a Doctorate of Ministry degree. In 1990, he wrote his autobiography entitled, “I Ain’t Coming Back” after he returned home to Mississippi after vowing that he would never return. He accepted a position with Voice of Calvary/Mendenhall Ministries, a multi-faceted Chrisitian Community Development ministry where he served from 1971 to 1997. Dr. Weary’s passion to minister to those who are poor in Mississippi has awarded him recognition as a creative problem solver with Encore.org, as a Purpose Prize Fellow in 2013. Currently, he serves as the President of Rural Education and Leadership (R.E.A.L.) Christian Foundation, a foundation connecting economic and technical resources with rural Christian ministries. Dr. Weary has served on the boards of World Vision, Evangelical Council for Accountability (ECFA) and Inter Varsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF) and is currently serving on the Belhaven University (BU) and Jackson Prep schools. He has also authored two other books.
The second annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. prayer breakfast is scheduled for Monday, January 15, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. at the Zion District Building. Winona native, Dr. Samuel Jones, Jr. is the featured speaker. Dr. Jones, an honor graduate of Winona High School, Jackson State University, and the University of Mississippi Medical Center, is a physician in the Jackson area where he has worked for over 30 years. He holds a Senior Active Staff appointment at Merit Health Center, formerly Hinds General Hospital and is currently the Director of Student Health Services and team physician for the Jackson State University Tigers. He also serves as Medical Director and attending physician for the Choices for Children and Family Medical Clinic in South Jackson. He is a member of the Mississippi Medical and Surgical Society, the Jackson Medical Society, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Following the prayer breakfast, the annual Dr. King march will begin at 11:00 a.m. Participants will assemble at the J.J. Knox Gym on Powell Street. Festivities will culminate with the 28th annual observance of Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Holiday at 12 noon at the Montgomery County Courthouse on Summit Street. Senator David Jordan of Greenwood, Mississippi is the keynote speaker. Senator Jordan attended Mississippi Valley State University and the University of Wyoming. He is a retired educator and a Democratic member of the Mississippi State Senate, representing the 24th Congressional District since 1993. He serves on various legislative committees including the agriculture, drug policy, tourism, and housing to name a few. He also serves as a councilman on the Greenwood City Council and is active in the Greenwood Voters' League, which he founded. All citizens of Winona and the surrounding area are encouraged to attend and participate in these activities to learn about the valuable contributions made by the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for all citizens.
