Crowley honors King's dream

While offices and schools were closed Monday, the city of Crowley took a moment to reflect on the message Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered years ago with its annual program at the Martin Luther King Center here.

Marked as a day of service, the day “off” for many is supposed to not only remind people of King’s legacy and work, but promote others to take on his cause for equality and a better world.

“Anyone who knows anything about African-American history ought to know Dr. King not only lived a life of success, but he lived a life of significance,” said Dr. Ricky E. Carter, pastor of Good Hope Baptist Church. Carter was the keynote speaker for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration sponsored by the Crowley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Speaking at the program Monday afternoon, Carter spoke of King with great regard and encouraged all in attendance to live by his example and stop being complacent with the world as it is today.

The world now, as Carter explained, is a lot different than when he grew up. He referenced the need to rejuvenate authority figures and visionary leaders and much more. 

“That’s why Dr. King was so effective,” he said. “He rallied people together, but when it was time to speak, they had one voice.

Carter also reminded everyone in attendance that unity is what is needed to overcome complacency in this world.

Carter, while referencing the program’s theme – “Breaking the Illusion; The Movement Continues” – also discussed the U.S.’s growing problem of divisiveness.

“All of us know we are divided,” said Carter.

“But the truth of the matter is division will ultimately destroy us.”

The Program Committee this year included Lois Andrus,  LaTanya Evans, Evelyn Julian, Yolanda Langham, Cheryl Lewis and Evelyn Pleasure.

The annual program saw the 2014-15 Debutantes and Beaux heavily involved, performing a play entitled “Patchwork Quilt,” which highlighted the many accomplishments of African-Americans in history, as well as a praise dance by Debutante Teara Breaux and the recitation of a Maya Angelou poem by Debutante Kennedie Dixon. Performances from Jasmine Evans (dance), members of St. Joseph Baptist Church (dance) and St. Theresa Catholic Church (song) were also heard during the program.

The program opened with remarks from Yvonne Mills, president of Delta Sigma Theta – Crowley Alumnae Chapter, and Crowley City Judge M’Elise Trahan. Both graciously welcomed all who took time to come to the program Monday afternoon. Trahan spent a few moments  highlighting children, saying it is her job to work with them and for them. Mills, meanwhile, reflected on King and said his memories and his legacy were the reasons the program was being held that day. Mills added that she hoped that everyone there would leave “with a unified sense of love” from the program.

King was the chief spokesman for non-violent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. He was assassinated in 1968, and the campaign to honor King’s legacy  with a federal holiday began soon after. 

The holiday was signed into law in 1983, but with some resistance over the years. It wasn’t until 2000 that all 50 states observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Martin Luther King Day is annually observed in honor of King’s birthday (actual day Jan. 15) on the third Monday of January.