MCC to host annual MLK Commemorative Celebration
Meridian Community College Board of Trustees Chair Rev. LaBaron Hedgemon will deliver
the keynote address at the College's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative
Celebration on Monday, Jan. 23.
With the theme of "We Are the Dream," the event will begin at 1 p.m. in the McCain Theater on the MCC campus. Admission is free, and all community and campus members are welcome.
Meridian native Rev. Hedgemon is an MCC alumnus, and his service to the College's Board of Trustees began in 2020. In addition to being the full-time pastor for Freedom Rock Cathedral, Rev. Hedgemon is CEO and founder of New Destiny Urban Development Corp., president of Hedgemon Insurance Co., and president and co-founder of 24/7 Developments. He's also the founder of the Hedgemon Group, a leadership and consultancy firm focusing on financial and strategic management and entrepreneurial empowerment.
The program will include the announcement of the winners of a creative contest, the presentation of the MLK Program scholarship by the Charles L. Young family, and the Billy C. Beal Award.
Ricky Hood, chief professional officer for Meridian's Boys and Girls Club, is the Billy C. Beal Award recipient. A native of Montgomery, Ala., Hood earned his degree in business administration. He played professional basketball on the international circuit before returning to the States, and in 1988, Hood began working summers at the Boys and Girls Club in Meridian. He has been with the organization for more than three decades. Hood received the Blue Star Award for 2022 leadership, integrity, respect for others, and commitment to excellence. He is only the second recipient of this regional award.
Christopher Barnes, pastor of El Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, will offer the invocation; Nicholas Brooks, a reporter for WTOK TV, will serve as emcee for the program. Musical offerings will be presented by Brandon Dewease, MCC associate dean of student engagement; Rhonda Smith, MCC college and career navigator; Dr. Sheila Walker, pianist; and Mitch Brantley, MCC Fine Arts and Communications Division chair and guitar instructor.