The Shadow
Helping Other People Excel, Inc., Covington, and Come As You Are Outreach Ministries, Clifton Forge, sponsored the 19th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Celebration, last Sunday, with a very scaled-down program that did not include a keynote speaker. This year’s theme was “Fulfilling Dr. King’s Legacy Starts with Us,” and was dedicated to the “youth of today.”
The small crowd formed a parade at the back of Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ, Covington, and took a short walk down the driveway, up the front steps, and processed into the church as they sang, “We Shall Overcome.”
Once inside, the marchers and those already seated were welcomed by Wanda Moore, Executive Director, HOPE. Moore then led the crowd in singing, “Lift Every Voice and Sing’, accompanied on piano by Evangelist Kathleen Robinson.
After a prayer, the program opened with a scripture reading by Evangelist Tamala Preston, who later returned to give some words of encouragement to the youth in attendance. Rev. Rosetta Stewart, pastor, Historic First Baptist Church, Covington, also spoke encouragement directly to the youth, using an example for each letter in the word, Y.O.U.T.H.
Clifton Forge Mayor Jeff Irvine led the speakers. He was followed by Sheriff Kyle Moore and Captain Chris Fisher, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. Irvine talked about King’s life and legacy. Moore and Fisher recognized King’s contributions and spoke out against adults using social media posts to bully others. They all offered their assistance at any community events.
Rev. Pamela Marshall, Associate Minister, First Baptist Church, Clifton Forge encouraged the group to “keep marching until we don’t have to anymore, because the struggle for racial equality continues.” In observance of Black History Month, Marshall was also recognized as the first female African American mayor of Clifton Forge. Marshall was the first female African American to be elected to the Clifton Forge Council, city or town. She served as vice mayor for two years and mayor for one year, before resigning in Jan. 2022.
Bishop Isaiah Freeman, III, pastor, New Dimensions Christian Fellowship, Covington, introduced himself to the community and led everyone in song, “Praise the Lord,” accompanied by Robinson. Freeman relocated to Covington from Dover, DE and opened his fellowship, late last year.
Several speakers scheduled to speak were not in attendance. This was attributed to confusion caused by having to reschedule the program from Jan. 15th, due to inclement weather.
Robinson led in the feature presentation, King’s iconic “I Have a Dream Speech” with a song selection, “Bow Down and Worship Him.” Bishop Alfred “Mustard” Dearing, pastor, CAYA, led several youths as they read various portions of the speech in response to Dearing’s “I have a dream.” Dearing, as a little boy, was present on the grounds of the National Mall in Washington, DC when King gave the speech in 1963.
The 2024 Drum Major Award was presented to long-time educator at Covington High School, Helen Harris, for her dedication to education. Harris was not present to receive the award, so her pastor, Stewart, and friend and fellow church member Linda Venable, accepted the award on her behalf.
The program closed with Elder G. Pete Moore, Sr., pastor, GTAB, giving some closing remarks, the benediction, and blessing of the meal which was served immediately after the program in GTAB’s fellowship hall. Area churches donated the meal and it was served by GTAB’s hospitality staff.
“I would like to thank all who participated in such a historical event in the Alleghany Highlands,” said Dearing. “Especially the city officials, law enforcement, clergy, and Moore of HOPE. Most of all, I thank all of the youth who participated,” added Dearing.
