Silver Boomers perform “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around” song with African inspired
instrumentation.(above)
On January 15, 1929, Michael King, Jr., was born to Rev. Michael and Alberta King in Atlanta, Georgia. Ninety-seven years later, a large majority of the United States of America still celebrates the man who would be known as Martin Luther King, Jr., and Bessemer’s citizens are no exception when it comes to remembering one who stood for all.
Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Bessemer’s Silver Boomers Group (SBG) and known Bessemer residents commenced their annual MLK Jr. Program. The SBG members started off the program with an African-tinged version of the civil rights anthem, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around,” as Mistress of Ceremony Ms. Dee Howard took to the podium with a tributary introduction.
Ms. Delores Williams and Mr. Roy Brewster shared prayers and scriptures, while Ms. Dorothy Johnson delivered a performance of Maya Angelou’s poem “Phenomenal Woman.” Ms. Edith Simpson also shared facts about Dr. King’s life, while Amanda Maize and Jackie Patrick presented an operatic and soulful rendition of “We Shall Overcome.”
Rev. Reginald Steel shared a riveting and emotionally charged portion of Dr. King’s famous “Mountain Top” speech, which rendered genuine applause from the congregation. Commissioner Sheila Tyson, Councilman Chester Porter, and Sherry McClain were also present, as they acknowledged the significance of the day and expressed thankfulness for the elders who continue to share historical messages.
Ms. Dee Howard told all present, “A lot of our children consider certain things old fashioned, but we must continue to tell them where we’ve been and where we’ve come from. We must also remember within our own family trees there’s much that can be learned and shared with others to inspire them such as Dr. King did.”
Commissioner Tyson also spoke, stating, “I’m always glad to be a part of events such as these. Despite what the world may say, Dr. King stood for something, and that was for the human right of not just one group of people but for the groups of all people.”
We send sincere acknowledgments to our Silver Boomers Group and to the efforts of those worldwide who continue to strive for peace and love toward all. As Dr. King would say, “I hope one day my children will be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.”
Let us allow such an idea and way of thinking to inspire us all to do better and make one man’s dream true in a nation he so wished the best for all those years ago. We still have time; let us use it wisely, lovingly, and compassionately, as Dr. King and other civil rights activists tried.
We wish peace and love unto all.
Rev. Reginald Steel performs an MLK Jr. skit.
Commemorative MLK Jr. flag
