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Sulphur Springs city council member Rev. Harold Nash (center) read a proclamation during the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and social justice awards presentation for the family of Jimmie Lurleene Harrison, former Sulphur Springs educator who passed away Dec. 16, 2019, held at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Monday evening. Staff photo by Jillian Smith -
Sulphur Springs Elementary School fifth-grader James Winnett-Moore's essay presentation at Monday's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King awards presentation at Mitchell Chapel in Sulphur Springs received a standing ovation. Staff photo by Jillian Smith
MLK social justice awards, special recognition highlight local celebration
The 30th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration and social justice awards presentations drew a capacity crowd Monday evening at Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Sulphur Springs.
The colorful event shirts worn by the choir and other participants in the program set the mood for the hour-and-a-half-long program that included Deacon Ricky God-bolt as master of ceremony and guests Judge B.J. Teer reading the opening scripture, Hopkins County Pct. 3 Commissioner Wade Bartley leading prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Jatavion Hall and Sister Della Cleveland singing “God Bless America.”
Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom spoke briefly, greeting those in attendance and speaking to the needs of equality and community support.
Selected students from Sulphur Springs Elementary School with teacher Silvesta Alexander read aloud essays they had written about King and included Lindsey Hayes, Samara Clayton, Jamarion Hall and James Winnett-Moore. The essay written and read by Winnett-Moore garnered a standing ovation for his efforts in connecting King’s legacy to Sulphur Springs. All four students were awarded medals for their presentations.
Mick Trusty introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Dr. Mark Rudin, president and CEO of Texas A&M University-Commerce. He spoke about efforts by the university to diversify opportunities and staff throughout the campus to fill the needs of African American students attending the school.
Sulphur Springs city council member Rev. Harold Nash read a resolution during the celebration for the family of Jimmie Lurleene Harrison, former Sulphur Springs educator who passed away Dec. 16, 2019. The resolution cites Harrison’s devotion to community and education over a 41-year teaching career and continued member of her community. Her “exemplary life and legacy of dedicated service was and is beloved and embraced by all who are deeply saddened at her passing. While our community mourns, Mrs. Jimmie Lurlene Harrison’s generous spirit and kindness will always inspire future generations,” the recognition resolution read.
The family were presented with official copies of the resolution which was followed by Dr. LaVelle Hendricks announcing the creation of a scholarship in Harrison’s name through Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference. It will be open to qualifying Hopkins County high school students who will be attending Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Hendricks announced he would be stepping down as one of the organizers of the MLK awards celebration, stating the program needs “fresh eyes.” Nash then presented Hendricks with a token of appreciation for the latter’s work in organizing the MLK celebration, which was followed by Hendricks receiving the Fruit of the Spirit Award for his work with the Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference.
An appreciation program for Hendricks will be hosted at East Caney Missionary Baptist Church at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2.
The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. awards ceremony is a collaborative effort of East Caney Missionary Baptist Church, the Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference and Morning Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, according to the event’s program.