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Article published Jan 4, 2009 MLK Celebration kicks off Jan. 14
From Martin Luther King Celebration Committee
Blount County's Martin Luther King Celebration Committee has announced the schedule of events to honor Dr. Martin Luther King 's memory and to celebrate his birthday.
The celebration kicks off with a Community Fellowship Dinner at New Providence Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14.
"Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, but remember to bring a side dish to share. It's a potluck dinner and we always have a great time," said Christi Fightmaster, MLK committee member.
Other events planned for Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday:Thursday, Jan. 15
Community Lecture Series at 7 p.m. at Maryville College inside Alumni Gym. The topic set: "What would Dr. King Say about the Issues of the Day?" Panel discussion and community forum free and open to community. Speakers: Paula McGhee (Historical Context), June Rostan, AFL-CIO (Jobs and Dignity in Work), Elandria Williams, Highlander Research and Education Center (Immigration), Terry Bunde, Maryville College, (War and Militarism), Nour Joudah, Maryville College student (Religious Diversity). Thursday planning committee: Sharon Hannum, Shirley Carr-Clowney, Nina Gregg and Billy Newton.Friday, Jan. 16
Business Luncheon at noon at DENSO's Associate Center on Robert C. Jackson Drive in Maryville. This event is open to the public but reservations are necessary. Interested individuals and parties can call Blount County Chamber of Commerce at 983-2241. The cost is $25 per person. This year's featured speaker is Christopher Jackson, location manager for ALCOA Tennessee Operations, Rigid Packaging Division.
There will be a special movie presentation at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theater. "The Clinton 12," a documentary by Keith McDaniel and narrated by James Earl Jones, tells the compelling story of the integration of the first public high school in the South after the U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education.
"This documentary tells the story of 12 very brave and proud students who made history -- on a local, regional, and national level. This happened right here in East Tennessee about 45 minutes from Blount County and so few people are aware of this amazing story," said Fightmaster.
The free showing will start at 7 p.m. at the Palace Theater, and filmmaker Keith McDaniel will be on hand to introduce the film.Sunday, Jan. 18
Community Worship Service at Rest Haven Baptist Church, 224 E. Watt St. in Alcoa. The service will start at 4 p.m. and the featured speaker is Rev. Dr. Eric Leake, current minister for Greater Warner Tabernacle A.M.E. Zion Church and Presiding Elder, Knoxville District, Tennessee Conference, A.M.E. Zion Church.Monday, Jan. 19
Everyone is welcome to assemble at the Martin Luther King Center in Alcoa, 209 E. Franklin Street at 12:45 p.m. for a parade to Alcoa High School. The final celebration event takes place at AHS at 2 p.m. The Monday Celebration will highlight the members of "The Clinton 12." Keith McDaniel from Secret City Films will show a brief synopsis of the story and open the program up for dialogue regarding community diversity and the impact "The Clinton 12" had on the Clinton community.
"We are keeping our fingers crossed and hope that a few of the students highlighted in the documentary will join us for the discussion. A few of the 12 are still living in and around the Clinton area," said Fightmaster.
Anyone is welcome to join the MLK Community Choir. The Mass Choir is set to start rehearsal on Jan. 6. The rehearsal schedule: Jan. 6, 8 and 13 at 6 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church, 306 Bessie Harvey Ave. in Alcoa; Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. at Rest Haven Baptist Church, 224 E. Watt St. in Alcoa; Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. at Alcoa High School's gymnasium.Tuesday, Jan. 20
Panel Discussion and Community Forum, Maryville College Center for Strong Communities, Action Discussion Groups at Maryville College Alumni Gym at 7 p.m. -- "What Would Dr. King Call Us To Do?" Action Discussion Group moderator Rev. Emily Anderson.
The Call to Action Session will discuss community work on key topic: "What would Dr. King do today and what are we doing?"
Speakers: Susan Williams, Knoxville Jobs with Justice of East Tennessee (Jobs and Dignity at Work), Lisa Barba, East Tennessee Community Organizer for Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (Immigration); Carol Green, United Methodist Church and Shelley Wascom, Community Activist (War and Militarism); Dick Cox, St. Andrews Episcopal Church (Religious Diversity); Karen Coffin (moderator).