Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a local program only two days before the inauguration of America’s first black president offered an opportunity for several of the speakers to describe Barack Obama’s leadership as the fulfillment of King’s dream.
During the Sunday afternoon program sponsored by the Hannibal Chapter of the NAACP at Willow Street Christian Church, State Rep. Rachel Bringer said as she thought about events to be happening this week, she was reminded of a quote from poet Langston Hughes: “hold fast to your dreams, for when dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.
“America is a land of living dreams, and this is a week where we are going to see our nation really spread its wings and truly fly,” Bringer said. “I hope as a state in this upcoming year that we can also help all Missouri citizens hold fast to their dreams and have their dreams come alive.”
Using the theme, “Yes, we can,” Hannibal Courier-Post Editor Mary Lou Montgomery, the featured speaker, explained she had gained wisdom and compassion by learning to really listen to others in the community.
Reporting this helps as she concentrates on local news in the Courier-Post, she used several examples of how the members of Willow Street Christian Church had helped her in her position as editor.
Explaining how she changed her listening habits after hearing the people’s stories at this church, she said, “we must all remember that we can only create change if at first we set out to listen to each other.”
In addition to sharing amusing true stories about her grandchildren, Montgomery quoted King, such as “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”
She also quoted the poem, “The Race,” by D.H. Groberg, which she had heard recited by W.T. Johnson, local speaker, actor and school administrator.
Noting how important the hymn, “Amazing Grace” is to her life, illustrated by an experience involving her granddaughter, Grace, Montgomery asked the people to sing it with her to close her presentation.
This was followed by the traditional singing of “We Shall Overcome.”
Earlier in the program, NAACP President Annie Dixon outlined King’s life, and also discussed a youth enrichment program planned by the Hannibal Free Public Library with the assistance of General Mills, a couple of married physicians and W.T. Johnson. “We’ve got to start bringing our young people to the forefront and give them more of a role,” Dixon said.
Obama presidency called
‘direct result of King’s dream’
“We are celebrating King’s life and legacy,” Dixon said, adding “we can’t help but believe the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama is a direct result of Dr. King’s dream that one day little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hand in hand with little white boys and girls as sisters and brothers.
“It is a wonderful thing to know that we will have a president of color,” she continued. “It is a dream come true. For people and children all over the world, it shows that anything is possible in America.”
Dixon quoted King shortly before his death, explaining he had learned about some threats and said, “it really doesn’t matter with me, because I’ve been to the mountaintop, and I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will, and He’s allowed me to go up on the mountaintop and see the promised land. I may not get to go with you, and I want you to know we as a people have seen the promised land and I’m happy tonight. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.” That was his last speech, Dixon said.
Dixon said the end of Obama’s presidency will also be the end of a 300-year plan, written in 1712 by Thomas Lynch. It was how slave owners could keep their slaves from running way, she said. He used fear, distrust and envy for control. Lynch said the plan would perpetuate itself year after year. She recommended everyone read this plan and “learn how to break the chains. ... In 2012 the 300-year plan is up. We need to teach our children they are special, and we need to free ourselves.”
Also participating in the service were the Rev. Minnie Smith, host pastor, who led in prayer; and a men’s music group from Eighth and Center Streets Baptist Church. Jay’Kob King sang “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” And the God’s Angels dance group from Willow Street church presented a dance of celebration. The dancers were ShaKila Henry, Niga King, Chanice Strickland, Anasia Elder, Pariesha Scott, Javionna Smith, Sparkle Williams, Kearra James and ShayAnne Wesley.
