January 21, 2025 - A parade and celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was held Sunday January 19, 2025, beginning at the Center square.
Although temperatures were very cold with the promise of decreasing temperatures in the coming days, many gathered on the square to begin the procession of walkers and vehicles to Abundant Love Ministries at the intersection of Shelbyville Street and Loop 500.
Pictured are (from left) Triquina Polley, Deborah Chadwick and Mayor David Chadwick.
Mayor David Chadwick was present as the group gathered before departing the Center square.
As the parade traveled Shelbyville Street, the voice of Dr. King could be heard from the lead vehicle while his famous “I Have a Dream” speech was played throughout the route.
When the parade reached its destination, participants headed inside the church for the celebration.
The program opened with music performed by the Abundant Love Ministries Youth praise group, and Triquina Polley welcomed everyone before introducing Allison Harbison, Shelby County Judge, to speak.
Judge Harbison shared some of her background, growing up in the Possum Trot community, and how many friends she has both there and in Center. She also encouraged having a future MLK event at the John D. Windham Civic Center.
“This is such a wonderful event, we need to have this next year at the civic center and invite everybody from all the churches,” said Judge Harbison. “We’re here to honor a man, if he had lived out his natural life he would have made this work a better place.”
Present for the event were members of the Miss Shelby County Court including Tiny Miss Queen - Gianna Hill; Pre-Teen Miss Queen - Madilyn Polley; Teen Miss Queen - CaLaysia Garrett; Tonya’s Tiara Recipient - Ty’ReUnnia Dock; and Miss Shelby County Queen - Ashton Watts.
Watts had the honor of reciting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
During the program the Abundant Love Ministries Youth praise group and House of Refuge Ministries praise group performed several times.
Keynote speaker for the program was Youth Minister Cameron Cloudy, Sr. who brought a message of unity, "We are one."
Joyce Johnson, Center Councilwoman, especially encouraged the young in attendance to please get involved because of the importance of the movement to everyone involved.
