Greensboro's African American Community Newspaper since 1967
On Monday morning, Greensboro commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with the City of Greensboro’s 39th annual MLK Memorial Breakfast, organized by the Human Rights Commission. The event, a time-honored tradition, brought together community members and leaders to reflect upon and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year, the breakfast featured Dr. Marcus Gause, the distinguished principal of James B. Dudley High School, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Gause, known for his commitment to education and community service, delivered a poignant and inspiring message centered around the theme, “service is deeply rooted in love.”
Throughout the breakfast, the message of a renewed call to serve others was echoed through soul-stirring gospel performances by singers Teresa Lindsey & Friends, and the powerful rendition of the Black national anthem, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’
The event not only celebrated Dr. King’s message of service and love for all but also highlighted local community members and initiatives aimed at fostering unity and equality within the Greensboro community.
Former Mayor Pro Tem, the late Yvonne J. Johnson, was honored posthumously by having her picture added to Greensboro’s Gallery of Legacy Champions, alongside photos of Dr. King, and the A&T Four.
“May we all carry her leadership out into our community,” said newly elected Mayor Pro Tem Marikay Abuzuaiter to the packed room.
This year’s Everyday Champions of Civil Rights Award went to Turkesshia Moore, owner of Brain Power Academic Services, a tutoring service for kindergarten through eighth grade students.
There was also a youth presence at Monday morning’s breakfast, including a cohort of Dudley student leaders and a rousing poem from Ragsdale High School senior and a member of the Poetry Project, Bahekelwa Alina. He reminded the attendees that the younger generations are also in the fight for change and equality.
“My generation? We are not standing still,” said Alina.
Gause started off his message by singing the words, “I just can’t give up now. I’ve come too far from where I started. Nobody told me the road would be easy,” from the lyrics of a Sunday service church song.
He reiterated that the work that educators are tasked with is to shape the minds and hearts of future generations, through teaching about the past. He also commended not only the educators, but also the district’s support staff like cafeteria workers and bus drivers, as well as the Guilford County Board of Education on their dedication to the work.
“They inspire us all to believe that the work that we do in education is not only about shaping minds, but also about shaping hearts prepared to serve and uplift other people,” he said adding, “Dr. King’s words remind us that service requires us to be ready and determined. It’s not passive, but an active call to roll up our sleeves and work for the betterment of all, not some. All service is rooted in love because love always wins,” said Gause.
He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of service to others as a fundamental expression of love and humanity. He encouraged attendees to embrace a spirit of selflessness and to continue to work towards creating a more equitable and compassionate society.
“As we look to the future, let us remember that service is not just a solitary act. But yet a collective effort as Jesus said to John, love one another,” he said. “Let us leave here today empowered to serve. Let us be inspired by the examples of those who have come before us and be determined to make our own contributions.”
