MLK Celebration held at Courthouse

Members of the Dyer County chapter of the NAACP observed the 27th annual observance of the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, Jan. 21. Participants kicked off the morning with marches from Ross United Methodist Church and the Bruce Community Center to the Dyer County Courthouse, where a celebration took place to honor King and his message. Pastor James Luvene served as speaker for the event, with Dyer County Mayor Richard Hill offering a welcome and Dyersburg Mayor John Holden reading a joint proclamation from the county and city municipalities. Deacon George Mitchell offered scripture from James, with James "Tiger" Henning performing his rendition of King's famous "I Have A Dream" speech. NAACP youth Paris Cowan led those attending in the Black National Anthem ("Lift Every Voice and Sing") and the National Anthem. He also performed a touching song alone for those attending. NAACP Religious Affairs Chairperson Pastor Moddie Sesson offered the invocation and the benediction, with NAACP Dyer County Chapter President Connell King offering words of encouragement, as well. The ceremony took place in the foyer of the Dyer County Courthouse due to the cold weather outside on Monday morning.