On Monday, Jan. 20, droves of residents from the city of Athens and Limestone County came together to commemorate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a pair of events that captured his dream for a brighter, more just tomorrow.

“Dr. King was a man of God who stood for what every community in America should stand for — and that’s unity and love,” Wilbert Woodruff, president of the Limestone County NAACP, told The News Courier. “We always want to make the most out of the day our government has set aside to honor a true American hero. He sent out a resounding message of peace that has shaped the next generation of civil rights leaders all across the world.”

The focus on the next generation was evident in the first event of the day, as the 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Program highlighted the efforts of several local students who showcased their talents and received awards for their work in the yearly essay and art contest.

The program, which was held at the Lincoln-Pincham Community Center off of the historic Trinity Circle, was presented by the local branch of the NAACP as well as the statewide branch. Woodruff, along with Alabama NAACP President Bernard Simelton and Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, presented the awards to the students — acknowledging their effort to carry on Dr. King’s legacy.

Essay Student Winners

— First Place: Torriente White II, Tori White, Meher Makhija and Trey Pressnell

— Second Place: Madisyn Wallace, Baani Makhija, Benedict Allotey and Levi Williams

— Third Place: Laney Gough, Easton Gough, Larry Donnell Saulsberry III and Merritt Smith

Art Student Winners

— First Place: Anna Louise Chestnut and Larry Saulsberry

— Second Place: Zoey Powers and Meher Makhija

— Third Place: Mildriana Dempsey and Trey Pressnell

“Dr. King was a bridge builder between the haves and the have nots,” Simelton said. “We must continue his work, and continue fighting for what he stood for. This doesn’t need to be a feeling we have once a year either, we need this energy every day. That’s why we have such an emphasis on the youth, so that they can learn and carry on the torch long after us.”

Right after the first event ended in the morning, the second event commenced at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. The 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Celebration, presented by the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park Committee, drew a large and diverse crowd of spectators who witnessed the uplifting affair full of music and powerful speeches from Rev. Dr. Howard Middlebrook Sr. and guest speaker Shannon Moore.

During the program, the Jimmy W. Gill Youth Leadership Award — presented by the daughters of the late Councilman — went to the Mayor’s Youth Commission for their volunteer work in the community.

“I’m so proud our city recognizes the importance of celebrating and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King and what he meant for our country,” Marks said. “We started the Youth Commission all those years ago to bridge the gap in the education of our local government to our kids. They have all gone above and beyond what was asked of them to make our little community better. They really make me feel good about the future of Athens.”

The Dr. C. Eric Lincoln Humanitarian Award was also awarded at the celebration to longtime member of Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church and Athens City Council President James Lucas, who was more than surprised to receive the prestigious recognition for his outstanding contributions to the people of Athens.

“This really means a lot to me,” Lucas said. “I’ve always been encouraged to do all that I can through the grace of God, it’s just so nice that my friends and family have recognized me in this way. I’ve always believed it’s better to show how much you care than to say how much you care, and I’m happy we live in a community where so many people believe the same thing.”