January 22, 2026 - (Album) - A Martin Luther King Jr., march and celebration was held Monday, January 19, 2026, beginning on the Center square in front of the Shelby County Veterans Memorial.
Participants gathered and just before the march began, a prayer was led by Tammy Fletcher.
The march left the square and traveled Shelbyville Street before reaching Martin Luther King Drive where it continued until it reached Bright Morning Star Baptist Church. A celebration program was then featured within the church walls.
Anita Williams, Mistress of Ceremonies, opened the program and commented on her enthusiasm in being there. She said that she was excited to see all the people that joined in the march.
“Today we pause to remember Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to reflect on the kind of life he challenged all of us to live,” said Williams.
Minister Cameron Cloudy offered an opening program for the celebration and Sister Latreaser Cartwright welcomed everyone to the event.
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“As we celebrate today, we remember Doctor King’s commitment to justice, compassion, unity and the teaching of Jesus Christ,” said Cartwright. “His work was rooted in scripture.”
Ray McCollister recited from heart the infamous “I Have a Dream” speech which is most notably remembered as being delivered on August 28, 1963 during a march on Washington, D.C.
Once McCollister completed his presentation, the Abundant Love Ministries Youth dance group performed. Pastor Anthony Jackson introduced the keynote speaker of the celebration, Minister Deshmond Johnson.
Sister Triquina Swindle Polley offered closing remarks and she thanked the Bright Morning Star Baptist Church family.
“When I took over this program, not only did I want to celebrate Dr. King, but I wanted to bring unity to our community,” said Polley. “So every year we’ve tried to go to a different church and just celebrate Dr. King and try and get all of our church to just kind of get all of our churches to kind of unite.”
She thanked Abundant Love Ministries and their youth group for always participating and she recognized Joyce Johnson for her trust in her.
“Thank you Miss Joyce for trusting me with your sacred program,” said Polley.
Polley thanked McCollister for always making himself available to participate in the event.
At the end of the event Delbert Jackson spoke on Shelby County Black History, the importance of remembering that history and his continuing quest to preserve and highlight events from the past.
