The Self Culture Club held their 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr Banquet on Saturday, with guest speaker Flora J. Simon, mayor of Dumas, speaking on the lasting legacy of the civil rights icon.
The banquet began with a moving rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” also known as the Negro National Anthem, sung by Chelsea Brown. The song, originally written as a poem in 1900, is a reminder of the struggles African-Americans have overcome and a vision of their future that includes liberty, equality and hope.
Moriah Hicks then gave a reading of a poem she wrote entitled “Remarkably Unbelievable.” Her poem discussed the achievements and power of African-Americans.
“We were birthed with resilience in our DNA / Molded from a different kind of clay in the garden of Eden,” the poem started. It continued: “Look at all we’ve done / Take note of how we’ve transformed their norms … / Black folks have always had the audacity of hope.”
Brother Wayne Gibson was to be presented with an award for Person of the Year on Saturday, but was unable to attend. Pastor Barry Dobson of St. John Missionary Baptist Church accepted the award on his behalf.
“I know he would be honored and grateful to receive this award,” Dobson said. “He does a lot of things behind the scenes; doesn’t want people to know about it, but God knows.”
Dettravon Crockett was then presented with an award for Youth of the Year. Crockett is a Smackover High student; he participates in track, football, Beta Club, Spanish Club, Future Farmers of American, Future Business Leaders of America and the Spanish National Honor Society.
“I want to thank my mama and daddy because I know I wouldn’t be here without them,” Crockett said.
Simon then took the stage to deliver her keynote address. Her speech centered on some of the characteristics King exemplified, such as determination, advocacy and moving forward despite fear.
“There’s always times when we fear that we will not be accepted … He definitely was not always well received, because Martin Luther King had jail time, had harsh words, had water thrown at him, angry mobs facing him; but yet, he pushed forward.”
She discussed how fear of change and the unknown are barriers for advocates of change, saying those who wish to carry on King’s legacy must continue to work despite challenges that may appear.
“Change does not occur if you don’t participate. … In making a change, we have to be patient. We have to allow for that to occur and push it and push it and push it until it does occur,” Simon said. “Did Dr. Martin Luther King stop? No. He continued to press forward.”
Simon also spoke of unity, both in oneself and across societal barriers.
“In his struggle, he worked to bring all nationalities together and that was his idea of equality,” Simon said. “Unity must be practiced every day in our lives.”
Simon emphasized how important his determination was to King’s civil rights successes.
“Martin Luther King’s ability was a skill to write and speak, but don’t get them confused, because determination has nothing to do with skills,” Simon said. “Determination is a force that keeps you moving forward.”
She said King was a servant leader, someone whose service to his community bred his leadership capabilities.
“Dr. Martin Luther King was that person that was concerned about helping everybody and he did it to the point that he actually gave up his life to help others,” Simon said. “The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King leaves a legacy for us to be concerned about others as much as we are concerned about ourselves.”
Simon was presented with a plaque commemorating her speech at this year’s banquet.
The Self Culture Club’s annual MLK celebration continued Sunday with the 30th annual MLK Parade, which was followed by a gospel musical at St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist who became the leader of the civil rights movement that began in 1954. King led the 1955 Montgomery bus boycott, fought against segregation in southern schools and organized the 1963 March on Washington, where he gave his now famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
King was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis. He was working at that time on a national Poor People’s Campaign; the campaign has since been revived and is currently working to challenge issues like systemic racism, poverty and ecological devastation.
King’s birthday has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1986.
Caitlan Butler can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].
