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Friends,
We pause today to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For many of us, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is an opportunity to help our friends and neighbors by participating in the numerous service projects taking place across Little Rock. For all of us, the King holiday is a time to renew our commitment to equality and justice.
As your Mayor, I’ve spent the weekend participating in several MLK observances around the City, including speaking at the annual King Day program at Philander Smith College. The theme of that program was, “It Starts with Me.”
Sometimes, it may be difficult to recognize that one individual can make a difference, but Dr. King himself would remind us that greatness is something anyone can achieve, because anyone can serve. An attitude of service and gratitude can change the world, and it’s a change that starts with me and you.
It starts with us recognizing strength in unity, knowing we can accomplish more if we work together. Through unity and inclusion, we bring about social justice and economic justice, opening the doors of opportunity in our city. It starts with us treating others with dignity and respect as we pursue peaceful means to resolve conflicts. And, it starts with us understanding there is more work to be done. With Dr. King as the drum major, each one of us remains an instrument of his message for “justice, peace and righteousness.”
As we observed this holiday with a spirit of unification, it was a privilege and blessing to resume the City of Little Rock’s annual MLK Unity Service on Sunday. This was our first Unity Service in three years, after our 2021 and 2022 programs were cancelled because of COVID-19.
I joined the Little Rock Board of Directors, faith leaders, other city officials and hundreds of Little Rock residents at Second Baptist Church Downtown for a service that challenged us to unify for a better Little Rock.
Our featured speaker was Dr. Jason Turner, pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Baptist Church in Memphis, who called on all of us to have the courage, commitment and conviction to continue Dr. King’s work in our community.
I appreciate Dr. Preston Clegg, pastor of Second Baptist Downtown, for allowing us to have the service at his church. I’m grateful to the Philander Smith choir, the Second Baptist Church Praise and Worship Team and Nicky Parrish for their stirring messages through music.
Pulaski County Circuit/County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth and former Sen. Bill Walker were excellent emcees, and my appreciation and thanks are with Pastor Elvis Garcia, MLK Commission Executive Director Dushun Scarbrough, Dr.Phillip L. Pointer Sr., Rev. Wendell Griffen, Rev. Mark DeYmaz, Rev. Danita Waller-Paige, Dr. George L. Parks, Jr., and Dr. Maurice Watson for their prayers and reflections.
If you were unable to join us for the Unity Service, I encourage you to watch the recorded broadcast on the City of Little Rock’s Facebook and YouTube pages. The recording is also embedded below.
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