Reposted from robesonian.com
LUMBERTON — Events are scheduled across Robeson County beginning Monday to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he slain civil rights leaders.
Born on Jan. 15, 1929, his birthday became a national holiday in 1971. His efforts to advance civil rights for African-Americans and others in the United States through civil disobedience and nonviolent means have been far-reaching and emulated as a way to effect positive change and to fight injustice.
The celebration is held each year on the third Monday of January, and is a federal and North Carolina holiday.
The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, sponsored each year by the Robeson County Black Caucus, will be held on Monday beginning at noon at First Baptist Church, located on 504 Second St. in Lumberton. The Rev. Fredrick D. Culbreth, pastor of First Baptist Church in Fayetteville, will be the guest speaker.
Also on Monday, the Zakat Foundation of America will distribute hot meals and warm socks in observance of the holiday. The giveaway will take place 1 to 3 p.m. in the Robeson County Public Library parking lot, located at 104 S. Chestnut St.
The Zakat Foundation of America is a Muslim nonprofit dedicated to alleviating the immediate needs of the poorest communities.
In Rowland, people will take to the streets Monday morning as part of Carolina Youth Action Association’s march in remembrance of King. All are welcome to participate in the march that will begin at 11 a.m. at the Dollar General, located at 301 N. Bond St., and end at the Southside Alumni building, at 606 Martin Luther King Drive.
Typically, about 200 people show up for the march, which dates back to 1999. The march is expected to take about an hour and will be followed by a program inside the alumni building. The Rev. William Roberts, of Bethel Charity Church of God on Main Street in Rowland, will be the guest speaker at the noon luncheon. The luncheon also will include praise dancing and musical performances.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke has scheduled events throughout the week in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including a screening of the film “Selma” Monday at 7 p.m. at the University Center Annex, and a Martin Luther King Jr. vigil and march at 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
The full schedule of events is available at www.uncp.edu. and inside today’s The Robesonian.
The seventh annual Dreamers United dinner is scheduled for Jan. 25 from noon to 2 p.m. at the South Lumberton Resource Center, 1488 Martin Luther King Drive in Lumberton.
This is a free community event. Those wishing to donate food, money or time can contact Eshonda Hooper of Star, the nonprofit hosting the event. Call 910-734-2314, or email [email protected].
Attorney Diane Phillips will be the guest speaker, and the Rev. Tyrone Watson Sr. will say the prayer.
