Old Spiritual Sundays

This weekend, almost a year after the inauguration of the country’s first African-American President, the town of Franklin celebrated the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with two annual events which highlight the diversity and energy of Macon County. Sponsored by the Human Relations Council of Macon County, the festivities kicked-off on Sunday with a program of singing and speakers at United Methodist Church. On Monday, the annual parade was held, with beautiful weather attracting marchers from all around the county.

A proponent of civil disobedience and non-violent resistance, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which he was awarded for his work in the struggle to end racial discrimination. King also spoke out for labor and against the Vietnam war before his assassination in 1968.
President Obama’s historic election was undeniably on people’s minds during the weekend’s celebrations. T-shirts and banners from the election were brought to remind people of that important milestone in the country’s social progress. On the other hand, many were also reminded of Haiti and the recent destruction of Port-au-Prince by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake. The devastation has been exacerbated by the poverty in the city, a reminder that the world still has a long way to go in terms of social equality.

Mozart Moliere, a local youth leader and one of the organizer’s of the weekend’s events, is also the son of Haitian parents. “The situation with poverty just adds to the problems of an already horrible situation in Haiti,” he said. In the spirit of Dr. King’s multiculturalism, Moliere encouraged people to reach out to those in need in Haiti. Celebration at United Methodist Church

The celebration on Sunday involved a lively program of singing, speeches and poetry in commemoration of the life of Dr. King. Moliere was the master of ceremonies for the program.