MLK ceremony held, awards given

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  • ABOVE PHOTO — Dr. M. Lavelle Hendricks co-founded Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony in 1990 and spoke Monday night. See related photo, pg. 6
    ABOVE PHOTO — Dr. M. Lavelle Hendricks co-founded Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony in 1990 and spoke Monday night. See related photo, pg. 6
  • RIGHT PHOTO — Keynote Speaker Cameron Young, member of St. Luke Baptist Church. Staff photos by Enola Gay Mathews
    RIGHT PHOTO — Keynote Speaker Cameron Young, member of St. Luke Baptist Church. Staff photos by Enola Gay Mathews
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The congregation of Morning Chapel Baptist Church, pastored by Dr, H.B. Nash, once again was the host for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Ceremony on Monday evening, Jan. 16.

The infectious spirit of the choir, joined by guest members of area church choirs, rang out with praise and joyful movement as attendees found their seats.

This 33rd annual event is a mission of Dr. M. LaVelle Hendricks, the East Caney Baptist Church and the Hopkins County African American Leadership Conference. Hopkins County Judge Robert Newsom opened the service with scripture and prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance was led by youth choir member Jatavian Hall, and 'God Bless America'. was sung by Remona Hynson.

A welcome was given by W.C. Pryor, the 'Mayor of Birch Creek' and the spiritual 'Oh, Happy Day' was presented as one of many by the Morning Chapel Band and Choir, led by choir director Jackie Jackson and pianist JoAnn Kelly Hunter. Master of Ceremonies was deacon Ricky Godbolt. Dr. Henry Ross spoke on 'A Dream Deferred,' admonishing those present to never forget the powerful hopes, dreams and aspirations of Dr. King.

When it was time for the address, the speaker was cited as one whose life has included education as a path to leadership. Pastor Troy Young of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church introduced his son, Cameron Young, who has risen through the ranks from meter reader to lineman to Operations Supervisor of Oncor's Tyler operations center, and along the way has earned bachelor's and master's degrees in Business Administration. Young spoke on the theme 'Watch Your Step.'

He reminded everyone of how Dr. King began the journey toward his dream or vision, 'with an end in mind' with three points. These were, 'you must ask God's help to become a leader, to be a leader you must have the ability to learn as well as follow, and as a leader, you must be strong and courageous'. Young concluded his address by echoing Dr. King's words, 'if you can't fly, then run. If you can't run, then walk. If you can't walk, then crawl! But by all means, keep moving!' The event ended with closing remarks by Mick Trusty, and presentation of awards by Dr. Hendricks, who handed them out individually. As the audience was dismissed, the choir rang out with 'If I Had a Hammer.'

The three dozen awards honored members of Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County communities who 'have demonstrated their compassion, perseverance, courage and leadership by engaging in the difficult work of fostering human dignity and our common humanity, through their projects, programs, and visions'.