Whether you were inside or outside there was plenty to do Monday at the Ag Center in Chipley as a crowd gathered to celebrate the life and accomplishments of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
by Kathy Foster
Recognition was given to he 2018 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Washington County culminated Monday with a parade in Downtown Chipley, followed by a commemorative service and other activities at the Washington County Ag Center.
Along with food and fun, those stopping by the event had the opportunity to hear three outstanding speakers – Georgia State Senator Tonya Anderson, businessman Shannon Lee and authoress Shaneekque McCutcheon Brown.
Chipley Councilwoman Tracy Andrews and Mayor Tommy Sasser welcomed those in attendance, while School Board member Milton Brown offered prayer to kick off the afternoon program.
There was also a Special Presentation tot he Daraugh Reed-Gray family to recognize the deceased educator.
the Washington County Eighth Grade Essay Contest winners:
- First Place – Trace Weaver, Roulhac Middle School
- Second Place – Bryan Cooper, Roulhac Middle School
- Third Place – Jasmine Gainey, Vernon High School
The awards will be presented to the students at the upcoming meeting of the Washington County School Board.
Georgia State Senator Tonya Anderson led off the list of speakers. A 1987 Graduate of Vernon High School, she stressed that King’s dream still lives on and by working together obstacles can be removed and a better life can be formed for everyone. “We cannot move forward without everyone working together,” said Anderson.
Senator Anderson with family members at the celebration.
The second speaker Businessman Shannon Lee, U.S. Army retiree, told the crowd that everyone can do something positive to make a change in the direction their country is taking. He said while Martin Luther King, Jr. may have been someone behind the civil rights changes that came in the 1950s and 1960s there are still plenty of others who are still part of the change. “Everyone should aspire to be extra ordinary,” noted Lee. “You won’t get change if you keep doing the same thing. Be a change agent,” he added.
“Change starts right now … and it begins with you,” said Lee.
Shannon Lee (left) with family members at Monday’s event.
Final speaker Shaneekqua McCutcheon Brown is another Vernon High School graduate and author of ‘Purpose in Pain – Cleaning Under The Rug’, who talked about the role God plays in her life. A victim of sexual assault as a young person, McCutcheon outlined how God has stayed beside her through all the ups and downs of her life and pointed out “everyone on earth is carrying a cross of some sort.” She then added, “But remember that God puts you in places where you need to be to learn and achieve.”
McCutcheon used Martin Luther King, Jr. as an example of someone continuing to try and set an example, no matter the circumstances that faced him. She added, that it comes down to “No test – No testimony.” Noting, “God has a purpose for your life,” she said that individuals need to advocate for getting help with mental health issues and added, “Don’t be silent about things that matter.”
McCutcheon’s book will be released during a reception on Feb. 18th at Yes Lord Deliverance, 739 7th Street in Chipley.
Shaneekqua McCutcheon accompanied by family members.
Photo Highlight’s from Monday’s 2018 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
