College's MLK program illustrates dream narrative
Weaving the figurative threads of dreams and visions, speakers at Meridian Community
College's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration offered inspiration
and advice to the McCain Theater audience to uphold Dr. King's legacy.
For more than 30 years, the College has been hosting this program honoring the iconic civil rights leader.
Keynote speaker Rev. LaBaron Hedgemon, in getting the audience to repeat the program theme, "We Are the Dream," said it was necessary to be reminded everyone is a part of Dr. King's dream. "Our mandate is that we must sacrificially and untiringly convert the dream to reality," he said.
Rev. Hedgemon, an MCC alumnus, serves as the College's chair of the Board of Trustees. He is the full-time pastor for Freedom Rock Cathedral in Meridian.
Asking the audience to repeat, "before we can do externally, we must be internal." Rev. Hedgemon said, “we must be untiring in recapturing our conviction for voting, we must be intentional in refusing to major in minors, we must be sacrificial in relishing causes bigger that are bigger than ourselves, and we have to be diligent in choosing good.”
Ricky Hood, community leader and chief professional officer for Meridian's Boys and Girls Club, thanked the committee for his selection to receive the Billy C. Beal Award. "It takes more than just me. It was one man who had a dream, but we are a part of that dream. I feel honored to be recognized because when you recognize me, you recognize everybody that's associated with me," Hood said.
Creative works illustrating the We Are the Dream theme were showcased, including the essay by creative contest winners John Clayton Kitchens, high school division first place, and a short video by Tyler Townsend, college division first place. Each first-place winner received a $200 cash award.
The Hon. Vel Young-Graham presented the Charles L. and Doretha Young family scholarship winners to MCC students Christopher Beckman, Meshelia Harris, and Breanna Gordon.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner said this yearly event is a favorite. "This event attracts a diverse group of people who come from all walks of life," he said. "It's always a day that's exciting to me," he added.