The MLK Jr. prayer breakfast Saturday morning, January 9, was a fitting celebration in honor of the man whose vision of a peaceful, inclusive world has not dimmed in the nearly 62 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous, "I Have a Dream" speech.
Guests were greeted with gusto by Mr. Langston Johnson , who kicked off the festivities with opening remarks. Next, Mr. Kaleb Murphy, 2nd Vice President, and Miss Laylah Scarboro, Assistant Secretary, of Statesboro Youth Council, welcomed the Georgia Southern Gospel Choir.
Miss Laycee Scarboro gave a welcome and a special recognition to the Miss MLK Pageant contestants. After a blessing, guests prepared plates full of delectable sustenance, including eggs, sausage, bacon, and grits, courtesy of Annette McCray Touch of Class Catering.
After the audience enjoyed fellowship with their food, Miss Amore Grant, 1st Vice President for the Youth Council, gave a greeting, followed by Youth Council Treasurer Miss Madison McCollar, who highlighted the accomplishments of the event's special guest speaker, Mrs. Chelsea Weaver. Weaver is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Professional Counselor who owns Bloom House Therapy & Wellness.
"His legacy compels us to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves, 'Are we living in a way that reflects the freedom and progress he dreamed of?" Weaver began. She gave a brief history of Dr. King and reminded the audience that King's dream for humanity still needs to grow and change. One of the ways Weaver suggested we can honor Dr. King is by keeping his story alive, doing away with self-limiting beliefs, and replacing them with thoughts and actions that will move mankind forward. Weaver imparted her "three Cs" - clarity, compassion, and curiosity, an ideology which echoes back to how Dr. King carried himself. She also pointed out the importance of connecting with today's youth and supporting them unconditionally.
"Let us take the first step towards rebuilding our communities, not through judgment, but through connection," Weaver said. "When we choose to show up, to listen, and to love, we create a foundation of unity that can stand the test of time."
The audience rose to their feet in applause at the conclusion of Weaver's motivational words.
Civil rights attorney Rev. Dr. Francys Johnson and Dr. Daniel Skidmore-Hess led the audience in community prayer, and Mrs. Yevette McCall, President of the Bulloch County NAACP, addressed the guests. Mr. Thurgood Johnson, President of the Youth Council, and Miss Jenae Harris, Parliamentarian of the Georgia Southern NAACP, gave the closing remarks.
Dr. Meca Williams-Johnson, Associate Dean and Professor of Educational Research in the Department of Curriculum, Foundations & Reading at Georgia Southern, and the faculty advisor to the Georgia Southern Chapter of the NAACP, was delighted at how well the event went.
"This opportunity gives our youth some time to share their ideas and present themselves to the community in a positive way," Williams-Johnson said. "I am proud of our kids and the work they put into making this event a success. It's inspiring watching them put their ideas together. They also get a chance to work with the college chapter and make some connections."
Weaver's speech concluded with words we might take with us into 2025.
"Together, let us be the embodiment of Dr. King's dreams, lighting the way for those after us. The work is not finished and neither is the story, but we are the next chapter."
For more information on the Bulloch County NAACP, please visit their Facebook page. For more information about the Georgia Southern chapter of the NAACP, please visit their Instagram page.
