Rev. Vernon Graves, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Laurel, MS was the Special Guest Speaker on Sunday Night, January14, 2024 at the 37th Annual Memorial Service themed: 'Together We Can Be The Dream'. The service was hosted at the First Allen AME Church in Laurel, MS.
Rev. Graves, a very dynamic and passionate speaker, entitled his message to the Jones County Community, "Problems with Progress" in which moved the audience with shouts, screams, and a whole lot of "Amens."
His message resembled that of Dr. King as he spoke about 3 main points:
1. Part of the Past
2. Panic in the Present
3. Fear of the Future
These 3 things, Rev. Graves said, are the reasons the community have problems with progressing forward, something he whole heartly encouraged his community to do despite the odds stacked against them. Rev. Graves is one of the most prominent African American leaders in Jones County as he serves as the Chairman of the Minister's Alliance, an organization consisting of most of Laurel's local pastors.
Another prominent African American, Rev. Jerry James, Chairman of the MLK Community Development Corporation who put on the MLK events, also addressed the audience inspiring them to keep fighting for Justice.
"We have the same fight of justice in Jones County today that Dr. King fought then. We have an once in a lifetime opportunity to fight to get our first African American Judge in Jones County 200 year history. Marian Allen we are with you!" Rev. James powerfully spoke.
Marian Allen has a hearing on Friday, February 9th at Jones County Circuit Court that could determine if she will become the only African American representation in Jones County justice system. Currently, there isn't a black lawyer, prosecutor, public defender, or judge in Jones County.
Related Story: Supreme Court Appointee Judge Overrules Jones County & Grants Trial For Marian Allen Election Contest
Both Rev. Graves & Rev. James spoke about the importance of the community coming together in support of Marian Allen. "I'm very grateful to have the support of not only our community, but two giants that I admire and respect whole heartly, Rev. Jerry James and Rev. Vernon Graves," said Marian Allen.
She went on to say, "My heart is full knowing that they not only support the cause of equal representation for our community in Jones County legal system, but support what is right regardless of who's right or wrong!" Marian Allen emotionally said with tears streaming down her face.
Several youth spoke at the event as well including Caleb Hobbs, Jordan Horne, and Laurel's High School Marching Band, Drum Major Malcolm Terrell, who's also a dynamic athlete, playing as a senior on the Laurel High School Basketball Team.
The event also featured very prominent members of the community including Dr. Deborrah Hyde, the first black brain surgeon in the State of California and the second African American Brain Surgeon in the country, Jalen Lindsey, Vice Chair of the Jones County Democratic Party, and the City of Laurel's first African American Fire Chief, Rev. Jimmy Bunch, the current President of the Jones County NAACP.
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