Posted on 01/21/2003 4:37:05 AM PST by Theodore R.
Lubbock youth ...... rock the dream
By RAY WESTBROOK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
The Martin Luther King celebration moved to Lakeridge United Methodist Church on Monday night for a youth talent program that rocked the sanctuary with hand-clapping songs and animated dances.
Dancers and singers from Lyons Chapel Baptist Church performed a spirited praise song containing the lyrics, "what a mighty God we serve," and involved a standing, swaying audience of some 300 people.
Yolanda Jeffery, one of the talent show's organizers, spoke of the enthusiasm evidenced by the youth groups.
"A lot of them are really ready to go and ready to be involved in what's going on," she said.
She said the Martin Luther King celebration provides a means of letting the youth know the history of King and what he stood for.
Bobby Griffin, a leader of the Full Armor Steps of Vision dancers, also alluded to the influence of King.
"This shows the unity between us, of different people from different areas coming together."
Of the dancers, he said, "They are very energetic. They've got a lot of energy, and they are very excited."
Tyrone Harris, a leader of the Lyons Chapel singers and dancers, said, "It's bringing a group of kids together. We have had little sessions where we talked about Martin Luther King. They have heard about this from textbooks, but we are going into depth as far as how to relate to Martin Luther King."
Lakeridge minister Bill Couch told the audience that it was fitting to conclude a weekend celebration with a youth night program.
"What Martin Luther King was all about was a dream. A dream is always about the future, and tonight we see the future — and the future looks good."
A special reading by Rainey Taylor cited the accomplishments of the civil right's worker.
He made the world a better place, she said, "a place of peace and harmony between blacks and whites — and a greater degree of freedom."
She said, "For all who do not know him, Martin Luther King Jr. was his name. Martin said in one of his speeches that when he had died and gone, at his funeral not to speak too long, and that his awards and accomplishments were not what he wanted to be remembered for.
"He longed for equality and justice to open freedom's door."
rwestbrook@lubbockonline.com 766-8711
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.