About 40 people gathered Sunday in the cold seats of a small church in Rochelle, Fla., heated by the warmth of camaraderie in their celebration of one man’s 46-year-old dream.
During the tribute Together as One: Are We There Yet?, those in attendance expressed their appreciation of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with presentations to begin a series of events throughout the week honoring King.
The Rev. Milford Lewis Griner, pastor of Hall Chapel United Methodist Church where the event was held, spoke about the history of racism and the local importance of the event.
“Most kids take what they have for granted,” Griner said. “They don’t realize that right here in Gainesville in the mid-’60s, dogs and water hoses were turned on black people, and that there were separate bathrooms and separate water fountains for blacks and whites. Racism was present everywhere, even in Gainesville.”
Inez Lucas, who is a member of Hall Chapel, also thinks King left an important legacy.
“We walk hand-in-hand today because of everything that he did,” Lucas said. “This holiday is not just for one day. We live Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day every day.”
