MLK Day parade, event held today
Published 2:36 pm Monday, January 17, 2022
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It takes one community and one mindset.
That’s what speakers told participants during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade and celebration on Jan. 17.
The annual event, which was sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Atmore, Rho Xi Sigma Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and the Emmanuel Faith Center, marked the life and work of King, the well-known Civil Rights activist.
After a parade, which was held from Atmore City Hall to Houston Avery Park, a big crowd gathered at the park for a program.
Guest Speaker Karean Reynolds gave kudos to the CCA for helping put on the event.
“It’s Martin Luther King Day, and it’s only right to celebrate this occasion,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said when one things of King, they think of unity.
Reynolds said it’s important for all to come together, and understand the injustices that are going on in the community.
“We need people to understand those injustices to help move the community to a better place,” he said. “We need a lot more people to stand up and address these issues.”
Reynolds said working together to build relationships to help solve problems is important.
“Martin Luther King, he was not a person you idolize,” he said. “We’re idolizing his vision. He would want us to celebrate the cause; everything he was fighting for, we need to continue to fight for those things.”
Parade Grand Marshal Bishop Daryl North, pastor of Empowerment Tabernacle, spoke about unity and having one mindset.
“We have come a long ways,” North said. “We can be better. Let’s become better.”
The program also included reciting of King’s quotes by Paulette A. German; presenting of community service awards to Pepsi Bottling Co.’s Dale Ash and Rainbow Food Service’s Curtis Tucker; entertainment from the Holy Community praise team; and the float winners presented by the Atmore Urban Development.
Holy Community won overall prize for its float in the parade.
