Conway Honors Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Community Celebration

News Summary

The 45th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in Conway, S.C. brought the community together for a vibrant event at the Conway Parks and Recreation Center. This year’s program featured an art contest themed ‘Mission Possible’ and a STEM youth session, showcasing local student talents and the influence of music on civil rights. The event honored Dr. King’s legacy, with a proclamation from the mayor and a message emphasizing unity and future celebrations, including the upcoming parade in Myrtle Beach.

Conway Celebrates 45th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day

A Community Comes Together

Conway, S.C. buzzed with excitement as the community gathered to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday dedicated to him. This year’s event, marking the 45th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Program, was a vibrant celebration filled with creativity and education. Held at the Conway Parks and Recreation Center, it featured an art contest and a STEM Youth Session that highlighted the talents and interests of local students.

Art Contest with a Purpose

One of the highlights of the day was the art contest, which invited students from Horry County Schools to showcase their artistic abilities. This year’s theme, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy,” ignited a wave of inspiration among young artists. Their creative expressions adorned the walls, each piece reflecting the core values that Dr. King championed throughout his life.

Music that Resonates

The Loris Middle School Choir also took the stage, captivating the audience with their powerful performances. The children’s voices rung through the venue, reminding everyone of the unifying spirit of music, which has long been associated with the fight for civil rights. The infectious energy created by the choir set a joyful tone for the event.

Honoring a Legacy

Genar Faulk, a dedicated member of the MLK Committee, paused to reflect on King’s profound legacy and stressed the importance of remembering his invaluable contributions to civil rights. In a moving moment, Mayor Barbara Jo Blain-Bellamy stepped up to present a proclamation that recognized 45 years of MLK Day celebrations organized by the diligent Conway-Horry County MLK Planning Committee.

Looking Ahead to Future Celebrations

As if the day weren’t already brimming with excitement, plans for the 2022 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade were also announced. Set to take place on January 15 in Myrtle Beach, this parade will be part of the larger Grand Strand Freedom Week, promising a week full of unforgettable festivities.

A Day of Reflection

The event, themed “Be the Dream,” took place at Bethel AME Church in Conway on January 20 at 11 a.m. Elder Gary Lee from Mason Temple Church of God in Christ served as the guest speaker, delivering a heartfelt message that celebrated King’s influence on civil rights. The program was filled with community singing and scripture readings that fostered a sense of togetherness and remembrance.

A Dive into STEM

Part of what made this event special was the dedicated STEM session, led by enthusiastic instructors Karriema Calhoun, Cierra Williams, and Jamila Gadsden. This interactive session aimed to inspire the youth of Conway to engage with science, technology, engineering, and math, further opening their minds to future opportunities.

Carrying Forward the Message

Throughout the day, Mayor Blain-Bellamy highlighted King’s approach to non-violent resistance and his later focus on pressing issues such as poverty and the Vietnam War. Pastor Elder Gary Lee eloquently referenced the song of Mahalia Jackson when discussing the powerful impact of King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, reminding all of the shared dreams for justice and equality.

A Warm Welcome

The event was free and open to the public, significantly encouraging participation from the local community. Members of the Conway-Horry MLK Planning Committee represent various communities across Horry County, showcasing the power of unity in diversity. As Conway came together to reflect on the past and envision a brighter future, the spirit of Dr. King was truly alive.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Myrtle Beach Holds Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade
Myrtle Beach Prepares for 20th Annual Freedom Week
Myrtle Beach High School Basketball Thrives with New Region
Discover Breakfast Gems of Myrtle Beach in 2024
Myrtle Beach Celebrates Freedom Week Honoring MLK Jr.

Additional Resources

HERE Myrtle Beach

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