Polk County preparing for MLK Day
As the winter holidays wrap up, a group of Polk County residents are getting ready for another round of celebrations starting next weekend and culminating in a march down Main Street in Cedartown.
The annual holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is coming up on Monday, Jan. 15 and groups like the Youth Working Together for a “Speedy” Awareness and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Organization of Cedartown are already busy with preparations for the event.
The YWTSA went to the Cedartown City Commission to ask once again for a proclamation honoring Dr. King’s life and impact on the world at large.
This was their 10th year going before the Commission to seek the proclamation, which they received unanimously.
The group will be back in action during the weekend with their MLK “Youth” Infusion, a series designed to boost youth participation in educational, liberal arts, community service and political awareness events.
That includes the 15th annual MLK “Youth” Parade of Talent and Community Service Rally at Friendship Baptist Church in Cedartown at 4 p.m.
This year’s theme “Measure Up!” is meant to inspire everyone to get involved in efforts of not just self- improvement, but also improvement in our relationships at-large.
The Rev. Terry Terrell Bagley of Birmingham will be the keynote speaker. He is organizer of the Hand to Hand Ministry and former board member on the Calhoun County chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
Local leaders will also speak, youth groups will perform and awards will be given out. They ask those who attend to bring canned goods and old coats.
The annual Polk County Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast will be coming up on Jan. 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. in Ledbetter Hall at the Cedar Lake Christian Center in Cedartown.
Speakers for this year’s event are the Rev. Bobby Church of Marietta Street UMC and the Rev. Neil Hooper of Cedar Lake Christian Center.
Tickets, at $10, can be purchased calling Jennifer Hudson at 706-3465494, Lynda Kelley Dave at 770-375-0144, Forrest McCombs Sr. at 770-5469199 or Minister Donnarae Bradley 706-238-2457.
The weekend celebrations will wrap up on MLK Day with the 13th annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Walk.
The Jan. 15 event will start at 1:30 p.m. and locals are encouraged to march down Cedartown’s Main Street, starting at the corner of Thompson and Rock streets. Hot chili will be served at the Turner Street Center following the walk.
This year’s speakers include State Superintendent candidate Rev. Sam Mosteller and Rev. Khryi Rogers, the pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church as special guest and host at events following the march in Holloway Park.