Annual Unity breakfast set
Published 10:03 pm Wednesday, January 12, 2011
In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream of unity, and nearly 50 years later, “the dream” is still alive in Selma.
The Selma Chapter of Links, Inc, a volunteer community-service organization of women, will host the 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 a.m. at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center in Selma.
“We’re hoping Mayor George Evans and community leaders who know about this annual event will come out,” Selma Links member Frances W. Bumbrey said.
The Rev. David B. Powell, director of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will be the guest speaker for the event, while former Selma chief of police, Earnest Tate, will be honored at the breakfast.
Jeannie Evans, chairperson of the Unity Breakfast, said this year’s honoree “fits the profile” of a community leader.
“Each year we go through many candidates who have done community service,” Evans said. “Tate is so compassionate and involved.”
Evans said in the past the group picked two to three persons to honor, but this year’s selection came to one unanimous vote with Tate.
Bumbrey said keeping King’s legacy alive is important.
“Selma is the Mecca of the voting rights movement,” Bumbrey said. “So many walked and fought for African-American voting rights and we want people and our youth to participate and remember and see the positive aspects (of the struggle).”
The cost of the event is $15 per person. Contributions will go toward scholarships and other community service projects.