Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observed
Local residents took to the streets of Monticello Monday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as nationally designated in celebration of the slain civil rights leader and international humanitarian’s birthday. Dr. King would have celebrated his 90th birthday.
Some three dozen or so marchers braved the low temperatures and high wind chills to participate in the march that began at the Jasper County Courthouse on the Square and concluded at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church on Jimmy Horton Parkway.
In addition to the walkers, the processional included several vehicles transporting those too overwhelmed by the conditions but still wanted to show their support.
Rev. Jimmy Horton of Springfield and Rev. Reginald Jacobs of St. James A.M.E. Church led the marchers spiritually with prayer prior to the beginning and along the way with stops at St. James and the old Washington Park School.
Upon conclusion of the march, Get Ahead House and Carrerra youth presented “The Story Of A Dream,” a program of reenactments and songs from history which depicted significant moments in Dr. King’s life. Afterwards Alton Standifer encouraged the audience to “Stay Woke” in the midst of the world’s current state of affairs and in their everyday pursuit of personal accomplishments.
Mr. Standifer, a native of Jasper County and 2007 graduate of Jasper County High School, earned undergraduate and master degrees from Georgia Southern University and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree from the University of Georgia where he is employed as the Director of New Student Orientation and Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions.
The young professional began by asking the audience to give the youth performing a huge round of applause in appreciation for their efforts and warned viewers “if you can’t applaud them here in church, don’t criticize them outside of here.”
He expressed that taking leadership is a sacrificial act just as demonstrated by the life of Dr. King and that the mantra applies to leaders everywhere on every level from whether a governor or a mayor.
Mr. Standifer explained “that there will never be a convenient time to do things you don’t want to do” but must be done in order to advance one’s goal. He urged listeners to demand freedom everywhere for it will simply not be given and to not settle for small victories on the way to a major breakthrough.
In closing, he expressed great pride in being a Monticelloan and the values that growing up here has taught him as he now spreads his wings and experiences the world. He said that the Monticello of his dreams is where educators want to see all children do well and encourage them so and it’s where government officials get along together and where the entire community comes together everyday to plan and prepare for a better Monticello.
