Speakers this afternoon at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. March talked of peace, unity and a need to continue the goal of equality and equal chances for everyone. About 200 people gathered in the bright mid-day sun at Orange City Hall after the march for a program of singing and speakers. Student Miracle Gloston (below) read an original poem for the occasion.
The Reverend Demetrius Moffett, president of the local NAACP, talked about unity in the community, especially after Hurricane Harvey. He thanked people for coming to the march.
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moment of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in the times of challenge and controversy,” he said, quoting Dr. King.
Businessman and former local NAACP president Jackie Mayfield talked about the commandment to “honor your mother and father.” He said in Hebrew, the commandment translates into honoring your ancestors.
Children need to learn the history of how their ancestors worked for freedom and equality so they can continue the effort, he said. Reading education should be embraced because it leads people higher in life.
Franklin Gans led singing and former Orange Mayor Essie Bellfield spoke. They have been participating in the MLK Day events in Orange since they began in 1986.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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