David calls new generation to take up King’s legacy
Elder Dr. Michael T. David issued a call to a new generation to take up the mantle of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. at Saturday night’s annual kick off to the holiday for the famed civil rights leader.
“Don’t let it die. We are to embrace Dr. King’s methods of non violence,” said David.
David’s remarks echoed the theme for this year’s observance: “Planting a Seed for Non-Violence.” A full house filled the sanctuary for the event on the rainy Saturday at Scott Chapel United Methodist Church in Blackshear.
David recounted how King’s life was rooted in the Bible and how he used non violence as a way of life to persuade churches, communities, cities and towns to embrace change.
“It should be aimed at resisting (wrongs), but not toward people. The goal should be to persuade, to convert to the right way and to create friendship.”
David related how King used non-violence throughout his ministry and throughout the civil rights struggle even when he was threatened, arrested, jailed and his home was bombed. He even pointed out how King encouraged the movement to go on the night before he was killed as he prepared to lead a march for striking sanitation workers in Memphis in 1968.
“Dr. King followed the Bible in turning the other cheek and praying for those who despitefully use you,” David pointed out.
He noted how King led the greatest civil rights protest in the March on Washington in 1963 and how there was no violence at that event.
David quoted Ephesians 6:12 to instruct those present that “we wrestle not against principalities... but against the evil of this world. We should keep going on and we should submit to God.”
David declared that King had left a legacy and that the seeds he planted have to be tended.
He alluded to the coming inauguration of President Donald Trump as a new beginning for the civil rights movement.
“We are not defeated and we are not going back, we have to confront the challenges of today,” he said.
Minnie Arnold of Pierce County’s MLK Dream Keepers Committee introduced David prior to his speech.
David is a retired Sergeant Major in the United States Army. He has also been active in ministry locally and out-of-state and currently has an international ministry on social media.
The New Taylor Singers of Patterson offered several musical selections during the program.
Dr. Anita Harris presided over the event. Elder Marie Rainge offered the Scripture and the opening prayer. Ellene Henry gave the welcome.
Tyrone Harris and Terrence Lott conducted the offering. Juanita Davis made the scholarship presentations and Isaac Moses gave the presentations. (See related items).
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was sung congregationally to close the service. Elder David offered the closing prayer and the Rev. Dargenae’ Patterson offered the blessing.
Refreshments were served after the program.
Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Committee, known as the Dream Keepers, include Chairman Isaac Moses, Co-Chair Jackie Moses, Secretary Myra Vanessa James, Treasurer Ellene Henry, Spiritual Leader Elder Dr. Michael David, Communications Director Bettye Holmes and members Mattie Daniels, Juanita Davis and Minnie McBride.
No local officials attended the event.
