Weekend events held throughout Cape Fear region honoring MLK
CAPE FEAR, NC (WWAY) — Festivities celebrating MLK Day kicked off over the weekend, with many spread throughout the Cape Fear region.
On Sunday morning, Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church had a special service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King.
Many filled the seats to preach, sing, and dance to not only worship Jesus, but to remember the legacy of Dr. King.
The pastor of the church even had some special words to say ahead of MLK Day.
“Don’t let it be another day to rest and sleep in, that was not the purpose nor the intent, that was not the message Dr. King left behind.”
The service was part of a week-long celebration created by the Southeastern North Carolina Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee.
And on Saturday, another event was held, MLK Family Fun Day at the MLK Community Center in Wilmington.
Families could let their children jump around on bounce houses, play sports, and also learn about King and his legacy.
Different organizations were there to help run the event, and Mary Jones, recreation supervisor at MLK Center, said the community coming together to celebrate MLK is special.
“We as servant leaders, we love to serve the community; it fills the void. We want to take care of the community to make sure everyone is embracing the legend of MLK,” Jones said.
Stopping by to interact with the kids was former WNBA player and Wilmington’s very own, Tamera Young.
Young said interacting with the community on this special week is important, especially during troubling times.
“It is a tough time for a lot of people, and some people are dealing with a lot,” Young said. “But kids are so innocent, and seeing their faces is fulfillment to be here and give them love and support.”
Young was selected to be the grand marshal for the MLK Day Parade that will go through downtown Wilmington.
And she said it is something she is looking forward to participating in.
“For Monday, I’m excited to see familiar faces, to see my relatives, my family, but also to see the community out and interacting and showing love and me giving love back.”
The parade begins at 11 am and runs along 3rd Street in downtown Wilmington.
On Saturday, January 24th, the MLK Breakfast will be held at the Wilmington Convention Center, starting at 10 am.
