The legacy and memory of a visionary was celebrated as over 300 people were in attendance at the 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. luncheon on Monday at The First Pentecostal Holiness Church.
The event marked the first time the annual luncheon had been held since before the COVID-19 pandemic, on what would have been Dr. King’s 95th birthday.
Master of Ceremonies Reverend David Elliot welcomed everyone attending the luncheon before Martin Luther King Subcommittee members lit the unity candle.
Donna Countryman performed the ringing of the bells before Goldsboro City Council member Hiawatha Jones led those in attendance in the singing of the Negro National Anthem.
Following lunch, Jones introduced the keynote speaker Senator Dan Blue Jr. Blue served in the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1981 through 2022, and from 2006 through his 2009 Senate appointment. Blue was also Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives from 1991 until 1994.
From 1998 to 1999 Blue Served as the first African American President of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
Blue’s address referenced the story of Samuel and his father Eli in 1 Samuel 3 and the importance of listening to God’s voice. He also mentioned Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address.”
Blue hailed King’s work to spearhead efforts that ultimately led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Blue also implored those in attendance to register to vote and to know the fundamental steps of democracy.
Following Blue’s speech, Goldsboro Mayor Charles Gaylor and Jones made a special presentation to Blue which included gifts from local businesses.
Goldsboro City Councilman Roderick White introduced the luncheon’s challenge speaker Brigadier General Arnold N. Gordon-Bray.
Gordon-Bray, who visited 56 countries during his military service, centered his remarks around love. He challenged the audience to vote, volunteer, and voice their concerns.
Saxophonist Jashaun Peele was also on hand to entertain the audience.
