Yellow Hat Society holds 18th annual Rosa Parks Breakfast Celebration Feb. 1

Published 12:21 pm Sunday, February 2, 2025

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The Yellow Hat Society held its 18th annual Rosa Parks Breakfast Celebration on Feb. 1 at Greater Mt. Triumph Missionary Baptist Church’s Fellowship Hall.

The family-reunion influenced event celebrated the birthday and legacy of Parks, who was born on Feb. 4, 1913. She was an American activist in the civil rights movement and best known for her role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She passed away on Oct. 4, 2005.

Atmore residents, community stakeholders and elected officials attended the annual breakfast, which featured musical selections, a keynote address and a full breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausage links, bacon, biscuits, grits and the staple, salmon patties.

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Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Marketing Specialist Bea Forniss said the breakfast serves as a reminder to be the best we can be.

“Who knew a simple breakfast would inspired us,” Forniss said. “Rosa Parks sat down so we can stand up and run.”

Keynote Speaker the Rev. Jamal Browder Sr. encouraged those who attended the breakfast to find their seat.

“There are so many of us that find chairs for relaxation,” Browder said. “Rosa Parks sat down so that we can stand up; she sat down so we can serve; and she sat down so we can find our place.”

Browder spoke about the well-known Bible story of Noah and his ark.

Browder said Noah had something in common with Parks.

“What do you do when trouble is going to come,” Browder said. “Noah challenged us to build our ark. On Dec. 1 (the day of the bus boycott) Rosa Parks built her ark.”

Browder said in this current day and age, all have to be reminded that we are together.

“When you find your seating, pay attention to where you are,” he said. “All of us can find their place.”

Annual awards were given during the breakfast.

The 2025 Trailblazer Citizens Award was given to Bishop Willie L. Williams; Forniss was awarded the 2025 Rosa Parks Award award; and Rep. Alan Baker presented a certificate of recognition by Gov. Kay Ivey to Dale Ash.

Yellow Hat Society President Lillie Johnson thanked all who attended, recognizing club members and their efforts in putting on the breakfast.