A crowd of more than 400 people filled a dining hall at the Doubletree Hotel during a Monday night banquet paying tribute to the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

In keeping with the theme, "Power Beyond Measure," Francys Johnson, keynote speaker of the 34th Annual Augusta NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, said Dr. King's message of unity stands time's test. Dr. Johnson is the NAACP's Southeast Regional executive director.

Dr. King would have turned 79 on Jan. 15 and April 4 marks the 40th anniversary of his assassination at the Lorainne Motel in Memphis, Tenn. In 1986, his birthday was recognized as a national holiday.

"It's hoped that this banquet can do great things for Augusta ... bringing men and women together to build a more beloved community," Dr. Johnson said.

Dr. Charles Smith, president of the Augusta NAACP branch, commended those who attended for their enthusiastic participation, while explaining the significance of the banquet.

"It remains vital so that all American citizens will never forget our struggle. Dr. King wanted us all to be judged by the content of our character," he said. Dr. Smith described the banquet as the "grand finale" to a week of citywide, King-related activities.

Georgia Court of Appeals Judge John "Jack" Ruffin Jr. received the "Drum Major for Justice Award" in Dr. King's honor and reflected on his personal ties with the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

"People never got an opportunity to see the other side of him. He was sort of humorous, but in a dignified way. And always inspiring through his oratorical delivery," Judge Ruffin said.

Both men graduated from Atlanta's Morehouse College.

Judge Ruffin said he served as Augusta's NAACP legal counsel when both men were members of the Morehouse Alumni Association.

Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.

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