SCLC recognizes MLK Jr. Day at Huley Park

  • Members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference pose in front of a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.
    Members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference pose in front of a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial.
  • Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows of Baldwin County & Vicinity prepare food and refreshments.
    Ministers Wives and Ministers Widows of Baldwin County & Vicinity prepare food and refreshments.
  • As the sun begins to set behind the tree line of Huley Park, keynote speaker Joyce Denson takes the stage to share a message about Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and his legacy.
    As the sun begins to set behind the tree line of Huley Park, keynote speaker Joyce Denson takes the stage to share a message about Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and his legacy.
  • Keynote speaker Toomsboro Mayor Joyce Denson and Pastor Quentin Howell pose under the gazebo in Huley Park.
    Keynote speaker Toomsboro Mayor Joyce Denson and Pastor Quentin Howell pose under the gazebo in Huley Park.
  • Quentin Howell’s mother poses with audience members.
    Quentin Howell’s mother poses with audience members.
  • Reverend Gregory Ellsion sings a heartfelt civil rights song and shares a few words of wisdom about its history.
    Reverend Gregory Ellsion sings a heartfelt civil rights song and shares a few words of wisdom about its history.
  • Hancock County Board of Education member Anthony Gilchrist recites the “I Have a Dream” speech from memory.
    Hancock County Board of Education member Anthony Gilchrist recites the “I Have a Dream” speech from memory.

    The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) hosted a program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday at Huley Park in Milledgeville.

    Over 50 attendees gathered in the park for a day of music, remembrance, food, and enjoyment. The program was led by Pastor Quentin Howell, with many featured speakers and performers including singers Reverend Gregory Ellison and De’Andre Saincine, a prayer by Dr. Janet Lamar, and speakers including gospel radio personality Victor Vaughn, commissioner Kendrick Butts, commission chair Emily C.

    Davis, Hancock County Board of Education member Anthony Gilchrist and keynote speaker Toomsboro Mayor Joyce Denson.

    “Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” still resonates today.

    We don’t want to face that. We still live in perilous times…and our children and their children will eventually see his dream come to pass,” said Vaughn.

    Between the serenade of multiple voices, instruments and insightful words, Gilchrist was a highlight of the event, citing Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech from memory to the crowd. According to him, he did his best to resemble King when giving the speech and the crowd gathered were actively engaged throughout his recitation.

    “We are here to unite our community and strengthen our bonds,” said Butts to the crowd. “I hope everyone enjoys this time together and remembers why we are all here.”

    All attendees, sponsors, volunteers, speakers and performers came together to highlight the work of Dr. King and honor the life he gave to move the Civil Rights movement forward. This event not only honors his past life but the dream he had for the future and the dreams of everyone in attendance. Multiple speakers highlight that the dream has yet to be achieved and it is up to the generations of the future to see it come to pass.

    “I have come to teach. We all are to be applauding that prophet (Dr. King) any chance we get,” said Gilchrist to the crowd before reciting the speech. “The things he did in America are why we have advanced a little so far but we still must continue to advance.”