MLK Breakfast caps off weekend of remembering civil rights icon
Published 12:10 am Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Triple Threat Dance & Charm's thoughtful dance routine made civil rights the focal point of their performance. - Brad Dountz
Tarik Woods (right) brought warmfulness and passion to his MLK Breakfast speech. - Brad Dountz
Rowan-Salisbury School System students supplied art and essays for the breakfast to display. - Brad Dountz
West Rowan High School Chamber Choir sung the national anthem and the national freedom song. - Brad Dountz
Before all of the speeches and performances, people helped themselves to a delicious breakfast. - Brad Dountz
Hundreds of people came to the MLK Breakfast located at the Salisbury Civic Center. - Brad Dountz
SALISBURY — After the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Weekend Parade and community resource fair took place this past Saturday in Salisbury, the annual MLK Breakfast had 250 people come to the Salisbury Civic Center to hear from local leaders and reflect upon the legacy of the man who gave his life to bring about racial equality for all.
On Monday morning, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and King’s 95th birthday, the Human Relations Commission hosted the breakfast complete with hot food, camaraderie and insight from guest speakers and live performances.
“One thing that is really important for us as a commission is that we’re creating spaces of inclusion and welcoming, just to really celebrate and honor the diversity of the city of Salisbury,” HRC Chair Christina Rary said.
HRC Immediate Past Chair Rev. Debra Ellison added, “It’s our way of being able to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King. It is also an opportunity for the community to come together.”
West Rowan High School Chamber Choir brought music to the event by performing the national anthem and the national freedom song. Triple Threat Dance & Charm then gave a stirring dance routine that the crowd enjoyed.
Guest speakers from sponsors Livingstone College, Novant Health and Food Lion shared what their organizations do to give back to others. Rowan County Commissioner Greg Edds and Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander made additional comments, with Alexander issuing a proclamation to commemorate MLK Day.
Tarik Woods, Salisbury native and policy and program manager at the Institute of Emerging Issues, was the main speaker at the breakfast. Woods talked on the history of the civil rights movement and what can be done to make the world a better place for everyone.
“These goals that we’ve set for ourselves can not be accomplished, they will not be accomplished, if each conversation begins by asking, ‘What will it cost me?’ or ‘What do I gain from it?’ Our pursuit for this vision must be a spiritual one and not a political one,” Woods said.
Lastly, Anthony Smith, a Salisbury City Council member and pastor, gave the benediction. Smith said the day “felt great” and pointed out how special it was for so many different people to meet and recognize MLK.
“I have much more appreciation for moments like this now as I’ve gotten older,” Smith said. “I’m proud, I feel proud right now.”
