Stephens Co. Marks MLK Day

Stephens County marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The Black Christian Men Association of Toccoa and Stephens County again organized the annual interfaith service and march Monday.

Following the interfaith service at Trinity C.M.E. Church, marchers walked to Toccoa City Hall where this year’s essay contest winner, Michael Earle-Lyles, a member of Trinity C.M.E. Church, read his winning essay.

Earle-Lyles called on youth to follow in Dr. King’s footsteps by showing faith, courage, and purpose as Dr. King did.

He said Dr. King showed faith by believing people and things could be changed.

“In the Bible, Job lost his family, lost his livestock, lost his friends,” said Earle-Lyles. “He literally lost everything, but he kept the faith and refused to curse God and die. That is how we need to be. We need to stand strong, never give up, and keep the faith. Dr. King kept the faith when he could have given up and let go, but he refused to stop trusting God.”

Earle-Lyles said Dr. King also showed courage by standing up to fight despite the risks that were involved.

“David fought Goliath with five smooth stones and conquered him,” said Earle-Lyles. “Dr. King did not have five smooth stones or a sling shot, but he had a Goliath standing right in front of him filled with hatred and bitterness. This was nothing but God, you see, Dr. King had the courage to stand where no man would. He fought when everyone else was scared. Dr. King was locked up, beat up, and family was threatened. But still, Dr. King fought the good fight.”

Finally, Earle-Lyles said Dr. King showed purpose by following God’s plan.

“Dr. King followed God’s plan by helping others take non-violent actions against the everyday prejudices they faced,” said Earle-Lyles, then quoting Jeremiah 29:11. “People tried to get in Dr. King’s way. However, the man with a dream kept pushing. The dream was equality.”

Earle-Lyles said that the youth of today can show that same faith, courage, and purpose and carry on Dr. King’s legacy by taking a few steps.

“First, we use our faith to believe in ourselves,” said Earle-Lyles. “Then, we step out on faith and into courage, using courage to stop us from being afraid to succeed, to take the risk of creating a better world not just for ourselves, but for the future. Finally, we find our purpose, purpose for peace, purpose for change, purpose for our life.”

This was the 25th anniversary celebration of Dr. King in Stephens County.

Monday’s events concluded two weekends of activities honoring Dr. King that also included an art contest, a talent and fashion show, a musical extravaganza, and “Senior Reflections.”