More than a hundred people gathered in front of the Horry County Courthouse in Conway Monday morning to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Concerned Citizens Operation Reach-Out Organization hosted the 22nd annual event. Adults and children listened tentatively to an inspirational message given by the Pastor of Mt. Calvary #1 Missionary Baptist Church.
Mother Nature held off just long enough for the crowd to hear stories of inspiration and messages of hope. 'Education through Exploration' is the theme for this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day rally and march.
"As citizens, we all need to recognize that God is really good when we think about the struggles that were done by many people, not just one race, but by many folks who fought to make life better," Bethel AME Pastor Richard Crummy said.
One mother said bringing her son to listen to the group of 40 singing songs about freedom and marching in the streets teaches him a strong message he'll remember. "I love the classroom setting. But I think if you're more involved and you're doing things, it keeps kids more involved and aware when you're going out so he can say one day, I was there. And he can take that on and his children can pass that on," April Collier said.
The group then took to the streets of Conway and marched several blocks from the Courthouse on Third Ave. to Bethel AME Church on Racepath Avenue. It started raining just after arriving at the steps of the church for a rally.
Crummy says Martin Luther King's legacy would be remembered, rain or shine, and he was thankful to see such a wonderful turnout. "I feel like those who won't and those who refuse to come and sit at home are missing out on a great deal. This is a wonderful time to celebrate and a wonderful time to go forward."
