The 29th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet was held Saturday at St. James AME Church, with Bishop Chester L. Thompson as guest speaker and Warren Mayor Gregg Reep presenting a proclamation declaring that day as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Warren.

By Tim Kessler

Saline River Chronicle Freelance Contributor

Chris Ogburn served as master of ceremonies. A video was shown of King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech. Duane Jackson led the attendees in singing the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Jahnaja Dismuke gave the welcome and the Rev. Joyce Campbell gave the invocation.

In presenting his proclamation, Reep noted of King’s speech, “It is one of the greatest speeches, remarks, in American history.” He added that during his first terms as mayor in the 1970s, there weren’t any black Warren City Council members. Now, four out of six members are black.

“We’ve made a lot of progress but listen to the news,” he said, adding, “If you listen, we still have a lot of work to do.”

Janice Roberts spoke of the occasion. “Dr. Martin Luther King worked for freedom, justice and equality for all people. He asked, ‘What are you doing for others?’”

Presiding Elder Kent J. Broughton sang several solos.

Tia Hooper presented the following honorees: Candace Jones Jackson, Katina Moore, Tiffany Clifton, Patricia Thomas and Andrew Tolbert. Doris Penister Jordan was not present.

A reading was given by the Rev. Karen A. King. “We are having a celebration of Martin Luther King. Are you anticipating your next assignment?” she asked. “Our next assignment calls for us to dig into our hearts to do more. Power without love is reckless and abusive.”

Jackson presented another solo. The Rev. Kurbe L. Newsom introduced the speaker.

Thompson commented that 47 years ago, he preached at St. James on every second Sunday of the month. He recognized Tolbert as the first black school superintendent in Warren. He said he worked with the late Beverly Reep in the social studies department at Hermitage High School.

He said it wasn’t until the 1990s that recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day began. He added the churches need more young people involved.

“As we are generated by love, we need your voices to be heard,” he said. He commented on the atmosphere surrounding King and recalled that King was guided by Henry David Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” paper and the teachings of Gandhi. He added that the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis said, “Speak up, say something and do something.”

“Address the dysfunction that is plaguing our communities, … the falling away from our local churches, … the issue of providing affordable healthcare especially in mental illness, … crime and violence, … equal access to jobs and economic opportunity, … equal representation in city and county government, schools. Where your bastion of change and responsibility is in the black church.”

Thompson is also senior pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Camden.

Recognition and acknowledgements were given by Bro. Everett Wallace. Newsom closed the dinner with the benediction.