Community honors MLK
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 20, 2004
By Sue Ellen Ross Staff Reporter
RESERVE- No matter the weather, the parade must go on. Such was the case with Monday’s low temperatures and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in St. John Parish.
Several Parish churches, schools, and organizations took part in the event. Grand Marshall was Rev. Donald Hunter, of the New Beginning Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.
This years theme, “The Purpose Driven Dream,” included an hour-long parade and following special program.
Parade co-ordinator Ann Harvey of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, commented on the great turn-out, despite the chilly air. “God is letting the sun shine on us today,” she said. “We will go on.”
Cheerleaders from East St. John Elementary School were among the first to line up for the procession. Although they were a little cold, they said the event was very important and they wouldn’t have missed it for anything. “If it wasn’t for him (MLK), we wouldn’t be here today………..we wouldn’t be free today,” said sixth-grade Dontriel Taylor.
The founder of this annual celebration in St. John Parish is Rev. Forell Bering, pastor of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. He and his wife, Kathleen, proceeded the marchers as they started their trek along River Road.
The marchers stopped periodically to greet and entertain those lining the parade route. Stephanie Waters and Anderson Periloux were among those observers.
“It’s very cold and I thought about staying in the house today,” said Waters. “But I felt compelled to come………it is the least I can do to help honor this man.”
Many other residents agreed with Waters, as they donned gloves and hats to watch the Providence Baptist Church Ambassadors for Christ Marching Drill Team perform an act during the march.
Other participants included state and local officials; Rashad Learning Center; Terrence Day Care Center; Garyville Magnet School; St. John Elementary School; New Wine Christian Fellowship; New Pilgrim Baptist Church; Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church; Mt. Calvary Baptist Church; Our Lady of Grace School; and Our Lady of Grace Church. In addition, some residents walked behind the groups as they completed their route.
After the parade was over, the program at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church began with the singing of the National Anthem by Joan Landix.
Shirah Ray, of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, then sang the Black National Anthem.
Invocation was led by Rev. Ferdinand Wallace Jr., of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church.
Mistress of Ceremonies Valencia Green, of New Pilgrim Baptist Church; and Ivy Grows, Bethelehem Missionary Baptist, welcomed the crowd.
The Honorable Judge Madeline Jasmin, 40th Judicial District Court, remarked on the importance of continuing to honor the dreams of Dr. King. “Many years ago, this Alabama preacher poured out his heart to a nation………that was his ‘I Have A Dream’ speech,” she said. “He left a legacy that will never be forgotten.”
Williette Wallace, of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, introduced the guest speaker, Rev. Donald Hunter.
Rev. Hunter is from the New Beginning Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. He quoted passages from the Constitution and said these are the links that hold men together.
“We have to stand fast in our ranks,” he said. “We must remember that we are here to celebrate a Baptist preacher that was for equal rights for everybody – white, black, everyone.”