LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — About 100 people came together at the Hamilton Chapel Church Sunday to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sing gospel, and enjoy a performance about MLK’s life and legacy.
“We’re highlighting not only his life, but the people that were supporters and people that helped him along the way,” said Dion Jones, president of the Wilson County NAACP.
The NAACP also took time to recognize other prominent figures in the Civil Rights Movement, like Diana Nash, who fought to desegregate lunch counters in Nashville.
In addition, the organization recognized Nashville as one of the first cities in the South to desegregate public restrooms.
“This is a little overwhelming to see all the community come together, especially on such short notice. We just reorganized this branch within the last couple of months, and the community has really stepped up and rallied around our efforts, and I’m just in awe of the love and the support we’ve gotten from this community,” Jones said.
The gathering, hosted by the Wilson County NAACP, is among the first of many around Middle Tennessee in honor of MLK Day. The public is encourage to join the organization’s unity march at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20 along West Main Street.
“Dr. King was one of the most, if not the most, influential person when it comes to civil rights in America, and he was the one that led the charge to bring equality for African Americans and for all people in America,” Jones told News 2.
If you plan on attending any of the marches around Middle Tennessee on MLK Day, plan to dress for bitter cold weather because feels like temperatures are expected to be in the single digits — or even below zero — in the morning.
