Enduring Legacy: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. honored

Apr. 4—VALDOSTA — Residents honored the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a ceremony this week.

In the heartfelt tribute to the legacy of King, the Valdosta-Lowndes County Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee hosted its memorial program at the King Memorial Site.

The ceremony drew a diverse crowd eager to pay respect to the civil rights leader. The celebration of King's life was organized to commemorate his enduring influence, serving as a poignant reminder to uphold and perpetuate his vision for equality and justice, organizers said.

Beverly Blake, the chairperson of the event, highlighted King's impact in her address twhile also conveying the theme of the program: "They killed the dreamer, not the dream."

The Valdosta Early College Academy's soul-stirring musical performances enriched the evening. The spirited song and dance routines performed by local youth, who showcased their talents and paid homage to Dr. King's vision of a world filled with harmony and understanding, added to the vibrant atmosphere.

Rev. Michael Ward, keynote speaker, focused on King's legacy. "He gave us the strength to keep going and the power to keep fighting. If something seems hard and you do not know if you can do it alone, consider yourself lucky because that is something worth doing."

Attendees leaving the event said they carried away a renewed commitment to advancing Dr. King's dream of a more just society for all.