“All Men are Created Equal” and “The Key to the Dream is Non-violence” were echoed in two programs in Kosciusko on Monday commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The celebration of Dr. King’s life began Monday morning with a prayer service at Kosciusko City Hall with Pastor Katherine Weatherby of Mt. Pilgrim M.B. Church giving a prayer and the church youth choir participating with songs of praise. Andrea Myers and Willie Kern, members of the commemorative committee, also took part on the program.
With a police escort, the group went from city hall to the high school for a program featuring Dwight Luckett of Canton who addressed the crowd. The retired educator served as interim supertendent of the Kosciusko School District in 2015 from August to December. He said he thought of his trip to Kosciusko Monday morning as “coming back home.” He was introduced by Jaylon Hollman of Ethel High School.
Making himself clear that he was not comparing the life of Dr. King to Jesus Christ, Luckett noted the similiarities in the lives of Christ and Dr. King saying that they stayed the course in giving their lives for others. Christ gave up his life to give eternal life and Dr. King gave his life which resulted in making a difference in lives, Luckett pointed out.
He cited the life of Dr. King as the perfect example of learning at an early age the importance of right and wrong . He emphasized the importance of high values and morals and urged parents to train children in the way they should go.
Prior to Luckett’s address, welcome was given by Mayor Jimmy Cockroft. The flag ceremony was conducted by Stephanie Jackson and Girl Scout Troop 3221. Several songs were presented by the youth choir from Wesley United Methodist Church. Others taking part in the opening program were Marcus Ball from Long Creek Elementary School who recited scripture and prayer by William Ranking Jr., Middle Elementary School.
Following a power point presentation on the life of Dr. King, a lighting of memorial candles was conducted by Richard Kern, Kosciusko Middle Elementary and Janiah Roby, Kosciusko Upper Elementary.
Poster and essay contests were held in connection with commemoration event. Winners were announced by Andrea Myers and prizes presented.
Following a presentation to Luckett closing remarks, Kern expressed appreciation to those who worked to make the commemoration a success. Serving on the Commemoration Birthday Celebration Committee were Mary Harmon, Charles Hull, Willie Kern, Cassandra Lagrone, Charlotter Miller, Andrea Myers, Patricia Nash, Arnita Riley and Evangelist Annie Winters. Pastor Weatherby gave the closing prayer.
