The 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration will be observed on Monday, Jan. 21, beginning at Blountstown City Hall located at 20591 West Central Avenue.
After the invocation prayer, all prominent community leaders, clergymen, politicians and entrepreneurs will lead as we march and sing in solemn and unified manner.
This ceremonial effort will be done to reflect and honor Dr. King as a pioneer, pastor, motivational and civil rights leader, noted for his feats of courage and nobility of purpose. Dr. King’s tireless, yet effective, efforts forever changed the view and face of freedom.
The line-up and procession will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and proceed to St. Paul AME Church located at 16076 SE River Street where a spirit-filled program will be held immediately following the march. The featured speaker will be Sister Alicia Clemmons.
Alicia was reared in Blountstown, the daughter of James and Amanda Dawson and the sister of Jamie and the late Vanessa Dawson. She is married to LaDon Clemmons and they have three children, Savannah (14), Olivia (9) and Hayle (3). Alicia and her family reside in Marianna. She is a science teacher at Roulhac Middle School in Chipley and was honored as Rookie Teacher of the Year for both the school and the entire Washington County district.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree from FSU, she has earned a Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from Concordia University. Her ultimate goal is to become a principal and help young people grow into positive leaders and citizens.
She is an active member of St. Paul AME in Blountstown and a believer that she can do all things through Christ who strengthens. She serves God through music, educating others and the life that she lives.
The winner of the $50 gas raffle will be announced at the celebration’s program. Everyone is encouraged to join in and count in this community event.
For more information, please contact President Betty Hudson (674-7310), Chaplain Hazel Ming (674-8587), 1st Vice President Lorene McNeal (674-8717), Executive Director Deborah Yon-Hammond (674-2453) or email
DeborahHammond32@yahoo.com, or Media Specialist Keyon Hammond.
Commemorative t-shirts are available. To place orders for your church or organization, contact any of the above individuals. Cost is $10 for small, medium or large and $11 for XL or 2XL.