To the Editor:
Your article in the April 11, 2018, edition of The Clarksdale Press Register concerning the April 4, 2018, event at the Clarksdale Civic Auditorium commemorating the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. failed to cover adequately the evening’s activities.
After reading the article several times, it was apparent that your coverage highlighted remarks by the mayor, but did not focus on the essence of the event or the people involved.
An extraordinary thing happened that evening with more than 300 people of all ethnicities united to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his death.
The goal of the event was to give the citizens of the Mississippi Delta an opportunity to join other communities in prayer, unity and remembrance of Dr. King’s life on the exact date of his death 50 years later, April 4, 2018.
We were pleased to have 12 ministers on the program representing various religious faiths praying for peace, justice and unity.
More than 30 youth from the public and private schools also played a major role in the success of the event. The ROTC color guard, candle lighters, orators, choir members, art exhibitors and dancers gave inspiring performances.
In addition to musical selections by the Clarksdale High School choir, three of Dr. King’s favorite songs were performed by local soloists: “America the Beautiful”, “Precious Lord” and “If I Can Help Somebody”.
The April 11, 2018, article did share highlights from remarks given by three speakers -- Jimmy Wiley, president of the local NAACP; John Mayo, CCC history instructor; and Orlando Paden, state representative for District 26.
Their remarks challenged the audience to remember King’s teachings and continue efforts to strive for a world where all men have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and a world where peace and justice prevails.
After excerpts from Dr. King’s final speech were read, the audience held pen lights and sang “This Little Light of Mine, I’m Going to Let it Shine” as they dispersed.
The real challenge today is to strive for unity in the Mississippi Delta. We can make it happen.
The committee would like to express thanks and appreciation to those who assisted the committee in making this event successful. We thank the mayor and Board of Commissioners for their support and sponsorship, the Isle of Capri for the pen lights, Northwest Mississippi Medical Center for the printing of the programs, the musicians, coverage by The Clarksdale Press Register and all program participants.
Most of all, thanks to the citizens who attended and those who brought can goods or made donations to the Care Station. Your presence meant so much in contributing to the goal of the committee to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We are grateful for the many positive expressions from attendees of the program, who were thankful for the opportunity to witness the historical event.
Christine McDaniel
chairman of MLK 50th committee
Clarksdale
