Dr. Martin Luther King celebrated
BY BRUCE BRANUM
The Greenville Standard
Dr. Martin Luther King, who was the most prominent figure of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s, was remembered on Monday, Jan. 20, at the Butler County Civic League’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Freedom Memorial Breakfast.
A large crowd of over 400 attended the breakfast which was themed “Knowing where we are and moving forward.”
Attending the event were local government representatives, law enforcement, clergy, and many citizens.
Before breakfast, the Greenville JROTC Color Guard presented the flags, and then greetings were given by Butler County Civic League Vice Chairman Christopher Bennett, Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon, Georgiana Mayor Frank Betterton, McKenzie Mayor Lester Odom, House of Representative District 90 Chris Sells, Butler County School System Superintendent Joe Eiland, Butler County Commissioner Joey Peavy, and U.S. House Alabama District 2 field representative, Thaddeous Douglass, for Congressman Shomari figures.
Then, musical entertainment was provided by Alfred Payne and Mary Hall as a delicious breakfast was catered by Uncle E’s BBQ.
Butler County Commissioner Allin Whittle then presented a memorial service.
Evanglist Debra Gayle Kent had the honor to introduce the guest speaker, the Rev. Frederick L. Lowery, who was originally from Greenville and currently serves Helicon Missionary Baptist Church in Grady.
Lowery gave a powerful speech stating that Dr. Martin Luther King was an American hero for his commitment to create a climate for change and legislation and race relations.
