About 200 people filled the wood pews of the more than 100-year-old Greene Street Presbyterian Church on Tuesday evening, listening to testimonials about why the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings remain relevant today.
Tuesday marked what would have been the 79th birthday of Dr. King, the civil rights leader from Georgia who was assassinated in Memphis 40 years ago April 4.
The event was sponsored by the Progressive Religious Coalition of Augusta, a group of clergy and others of different faiths who meet monthly to promote respect among area interfaith traditions.
Keynote speaker Mike McCullen talked about Dr. King, "a man of God" who, he said, according to FBI documents, was labeled a threat and the "most dangerous man in America."
"He was considered a threat, because he didn't fear death and he could motivate and educate the masses," Mr. McCullen said.
Debbi Brooks, a coalition member and event co-organizer, described the capacity-filled sanctuary as racially and religiously diverse.
Rabbi Robert Klensin, of the Congregation Children of Israel Jewish Temple, talked briefly about the historical significance of Jewish support in connection with civil rights gains of the 1950s and 1960s.
He said he hoped such events as the one Tuesday would someday help the country become "one nation under God with liberty and justice for all."
Ms. Brooks said she hopes the event is offered each year.
Natalie Davis Ferguson, a Savannah River Site engineer, complimented the spirited vocals from the Tabernacle Baptist Church Praise Team and agreed that the event should continue annually, noting that the gathering reminded people of what Dr. King stood for.
"Tonight provided a seed for us to continue Dr. King's message. We all have a role when it comes to peace and kindness and making the world better for everyone," she said. "Dr. King's message will always be relevant."
Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.
UPCOMING MLK EVENTS
FREEDOM MARCH: 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday; begins at Good Shepherd Chapel, Building 29608, Barnes Avenue, ends at reviewing stand, Barton Field; melvin.slater@us.army.mil
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ANNUAL CELEBRATION: 11 a.m. Thursday, Carrie J. Mays Community Center, 1014 11th St.; presented by Augusta Recreation and Parks Department; theme, Power Beyond Measure; free; (706) 796-5025 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. OBSERVANCE: Noon Friday, Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 2500 Walton Way; presented by Augusta State University, Medical College of Georgia and Paine College; guest speaker, U.S. Rep. John Lewis; choirs performing; open to public; free; (706) 737-1610 SHILOH KEEPIN THE DREAM ALIVE: 7 p.m. Friday, Julian Smith Casino, 2200 Broad St.; recognition of contributions by the those making effort to keep the dream alive; contact Rumame L. Samuels, rumame@msn.com or (706) 721-9807 2008 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE: Begins 1 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. lineup; begins at Dyess Park Community Center, 902 James Brown Blvd., ends at D'Antignac Street MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. UNITY BREAKFAST: 7:30 a.m. Monday, Augusta Marriott Hotel & and Suites, Grand Ballroom; held by Alpha Chi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; $25; registration required; call Ellis Albright, (706) 414-1906, Augustus Thurmond, (706) 738-6425, or Marion Griffin, (706) 863-0625 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL OBSERVANCE OF THE CSRA: Noon Monday, pre-musical will start at 11 a.m., Beulah Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 1434 Poplar St.; free FREEDOM FUND BANQUET: 7 p.m. Monday, DoubleTree Hotel, 2651 Perimeter Parkway; Augusta Branch NAACP honoring Georgia Court of Appeals Justice John H. Ruffin Jr.; speaker, Dr. Francys Johnson; $50 individual; $400 per table; $500 table of 10; augustanaacp@earthlink.net
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