Celebrating the vision

Blount County residents turned out in mass throughout this weekend to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Events kicked off on Wednesday, Jan. 10, with a Community Fellowship Dinner at New Providence Presbyterian Church.
At noon on Friday, Jan. 12, the Rev. Paula G. McGee, a native of Flint, Mich., spoke to a packed room of more than 150 for the Business Luncheon at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Center in Alcoa.

On Saturday, Jan. 13, several youngsters showed up for a fun day for children at the Blount County Public Library. It was a birthday party for King, complete with cake and activities.

On Sunday, Jan. 14, Blount residents turned out for a Community Worship Service at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Alcoa, with featured speaker Dr. Alvin K. Smith.

On the official Martin Luther King, Jr., Day on Monday, Jan. 15, residents braved threatening rain clouds to participate in the annual MLK Day march from the Martin Luther King Community Center to Maryville College, followed by a celebration service in Wilson Chapel. Featured speaker was Bishop James Edward Swanson, Sr., pastor of the St. Marys Road United Methodist Church and the first African-American chair of the South Georgia Annual Conference Council on Ministries.

Photographer Leslie Karnowski attended the MLK Day March and the celebration for Blount Today. Photographer Darrell Watkins attended the MLK Birthday Party at the Blount County Library.