A number of Choctaw County residents braved unusually cold temperatures to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this past Monday morning.
The ceremony began as participants gathered at the Ackerman Walking Track, and began their walk to the Choctaw County Courthouse, where a large group awaited their arrival. The group made their way to the Courtroom, on the second floor of the Courthouse, singing ‘We Shall Overcome’ as they went.
The gathering was hosted by Choctaw County NAACP Branch # 5631, and was attended by community members from all parts of Choctaw County, along with elected officials from the County, Town of Ackerman and Town of Weir.
Mistress of Ceremony, Donna Dilworth, opened the ceremony and led the gathering in singing ‘America.’
Mrs. Bonnie Thomas was recognized as Grand Mistress, and a number of the speakers spoke fondly of her and their time spent in her classroom.
Highlights of the ceremony included a performance by Total Praise of Weir, and a poetry reading by Adlean Miller, and a reading of King’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech by Darius Cole.
Weir Mayor and educator, Shuni Coffey, spoke of teaching her students about King; Chancery Clerk Steve Montgomery welcomed the gathering to the Courthouse and stated that county officials were there to help in whatever way possible. Ackerman Mayor Tim Cutts offered words of welcome.
The theme of the entire ceremony was remembrance of King’s life and legacy, and the fact that he lost his life while fighting for his beliefs. Some speakers mentioned that much progress has been made in Mississippi, which has a dark history of violence and persecution against African-Americans. And some pointed out that there is much work to be done and that all races must work together to achieve King’s dream.
King’s message of non-violent protest was reiterated, and the fact that he sought to bring all races together in brotherhood and equality.
Even though Martin Luther King Day has been observed for many years, 2019 was only the third observance in Choctaw County.
