Living “The Kings Dream”
To the 43 rd President of the United States of America, George W. Bush, thank you for establishing the Presidential
Volunteer Service Awards. To the 44 th President Barack Obama, thank you for allowing the Presidential Awards to be
extended to the MLK Drum Major for Services. To the 45 th President, Donald Trump, thank you for recently signing into
law a bill which created a national historic park for MLK. Jr. A bill introduced by Congressman John Lewis, Atlanta, GA
Thank you, Congressman Bobby Scott, for assisting us with presenting the Presidential MLK Drum Major for Service
Awards 2016. To the King family, MLK, Jr., Mother Coretta and Sister Yolanda (rest in peace), Martin, III, Dexter and
Elder Bernice congratulations on the 50 th celebration of “THE KINGS CENTER.” To the 72 nd Governor of the State of
Virginia Terence R. McAullifee, thank you for your service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia and finally
to the former Mayor of the City of Chesapeake, Alan P. Knasnoff thank you for your support with the 2016 Icons of
Chesapeake and MLK, Jr. Day of Service. In this we were able to celebrate the cause.
The History
The history of the American Civil Rights movement came to national attention in the late 1950’s. However, during the
60s it became a more progressive movement. The Late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had no motive nor did he ever image
that he would be leading the people of color in a movement. As a brilliant man of God, he studied to become a preacher.
Yet, his call became a reality to lead people to freedom. His fraternity standards, Alpha Phi Alpha served as an
enhancement to the movement along with other progressive era organizations.
April 1968, was difficult for the community. It left us having to deal and to create an atmosphere of commitment to
continue the Kings Dream. In 1968, Coretta Scott King founded and organized the Kings Center to preserve the legacy
of her husband’s intellectual property, his dream and the movement. The Kings Center was dedicated on January 15,
1982. This year, 2018 we celebrate 50 years of MLK, Jr. eternal rest. The trophies that are being presented to the
Honorees are a reminder of “The Eternal Flame” which is located directly in front of his tomb. The eternal frame is a
symbol of light that will always be lit. Today, we wear “Black” in remembrance of the color suit that Dr. King wore of
his day of burial. Special announcement to the former owner of the New Journal and Guide Newspaper, Dr. Milton Reid
who followed “The KINGS DREAM” and Ms. Brenda H. Andrews who is certainly a leader within our community and
well deserving of the “YOLANDA KING” Leadership Award 2017.
In the city of Chesapeake, The Late Dr. Hugo A. Owens, Sr. was our MLK, Jr. with his co-partner, The Late William
Clarke, we were able to celebrate these individuals serving on the Chesapeake City Council as the 1 st African Americans
to serve on council. Councilman Clarke passed on January 1, 1977, his wife The Honorable Florine R. Clarke was
appointed to serve the remaining of his term. This could not have happened without the unselfish and devoted work of
the Honorable William E. Ward and Charles Brockett who served as their campaign manager.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the many people who understood and believed in the Dream. As Rev. Jesse
Jackson would state, “Keep Hope Alive, Its Morning Time.” This event will always be hosted on January 14 th as a tribute
to not only the Late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but to The Rev. James E. Murray, Jr. a native son of Chesapeake, VA.
who was expected to be born on January 15 th. However, he came on the Eve of Dr. King’s birthday. Rev. Murray is
currently in a care facility in Cleveland, OH struggling with a condition since August 2016.
Yet, with the 40 years of ministerial experience and strength that he had, he was able to instruct us on how he wanted
this year’s program to be conducted. The Presidential and MLK Ambassadors for Services Awards will be hosted in six
VOLUNTEER
OF Atlantic
THE YEAR
states this year. The 2018 states are: Virginia,
Atlanta, GA.
City, NJ, Cleveland, OH North Carolina and
th
Washington, In
DC.
We
appreciate
all
the
work
that
you
as
Volunteers
and professionals
have
accomplished and
Conjunction with the 50 Anniversary Celebration
of the Kings
Center
congratulations on a job well done. --- G Paris Media Group---