Local community center honors Martin Luther King Jr

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Junior, Saint Paul’s Baptist Church celebrated the 32nd Annual Tribute to him in Cornhill tonight.

Local businesses and community members came to share their respect as they played a 6-tier basketball tournament. Kelly Wiley shows us how people spent the day celebrating Dr. King’s legacy with fellowship and serving their community.

“It’s very strong, but in some places the dream might be weak, but as events continues and the message spreads, I think our younger generation will get to know more about him”, Boynton said.

“A lot of us need it because some of us don’t have family that’s close enough where they can see them”, said Dale Sands, resident of Ocean Springs Nursing Center.

The volunteers spent the day packing away Christmas decorations at Roberson Museum, whipping down exhibits at TechWorks and tutoring senior citizens on how to use their technology in Johnson City.

“It’s not a written rule, but it’s a must-do when you’re a player here, “Vince Carter, now of the Memphis Grizzlies, said of visiting the National Civil Rights Museum”.

Taking a note, and the words from Dr. King, Scott says he believes “the time is always right to do what is right”. “Blacks, whites and all races can walk together”, said Michelle Monroe, a marcher. “Maybe it doesn’t happen here as much, but I can still see it”.

Ten-year-old James Walton proudly held a sign proclaiming “I Am A Man” as he marked Martin Luther King Jr.

Straughn said there’s more work to be done on civil rights.

She encourages others to serve anyway they can.

Doctor Acey also attended Doctor King’s Memphis speech and later helped integrate the University of Memphis. (-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) Legislator Jeff Hall spoke on keeping the dream alive.

What I want to say is, how about someone who didn’t grow up – or hasn’t had to grow up – in a diverse area or setting to have that empathy and to accept there is injustice and inequality in many things?