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By Angie Slade, for the SNAP

More than 200 people gathered Saturday morning at the E.E. Waddell Community Center to celebrate the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the annual Unity Prayer Breakfast.
This year’s attendees included members of the Stanly County NAACP, city officials, community leaders, local businesses, ministers and members of the community.
Attendees enjoyed and joined in with singing a couple of gospel music selections performed by the Mount Zion Male Choir. The audience also sang to flutist Xuperior Harris’ instrumental solo “Order My Steps.”

Albemarle Mayor Ronnie Michael read and presented a proclamation that honors the life of King for his commitment and passion with supporting human rights and dedication “to advancing equality, justice, and opportunity for all.”
Michael encouraged “all citizens to observe this day with appropriate civic, community, and service activities in honor of Dr. King’s life and legacy.”
County Commission Chairman Mike Barbee talked about the importance of listening to each other, working together to find solutions and creating opportunities to share the city’s vision, concerns and ideas from all communities.
Barbee stated that “it is important that we all take personal responsibility and stand up for what is right and strive to treat others with dignity and respect.”
The keynote address was delivered by Bishop Tavaris L. Johnson of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Badin.

Johnson titled his address “Call for Justice.” He highlighted the impact of systemic racism “in sectors such as criminal justice, education and employment.”
He stated how racial disparities and marginalization affect minority groups related to disability, veteran, reproductive and women rights, gender equality, environmental justice, pay equity, access to quality education and health care.
Johnson emphasized that “our country is morally rotten” and asked the question “will it ever end?”
The bishop referenced the biblical book Amos 5, saying “I want justice, oceans of it. I want fairness, rivers of it.”
Johnson mentioned that King read Amos 5 during his “I Have a Dream” speech and called for people to take action.
“You cannot tell us in private meetings that once you are in office you will look out for African Americans, Asian, Latinos, biracial groups … and once you are sworn in office … minorities are not even on your agenda, let alone a part of your priority,” said Johnson.
He added “the Lord calls His people to let justice flow like water and righteousness like an unfailing stream.”
Johnson said it is up to the “descendants of European men and women to break their loyalty to their forefathers” to a system of injustice and inequality that is “expired.”
He added that it is “left to the descendants of minorities … to take a stand” and adhere to God’s call for justice and fairness because the current systems “destroy people and nations.”
Johnson encouraged the people of Albemarle and NAACP to continue to fight for what is right and “ensure justice isn’t just a sprinkle but a powerful wave that sweeps away inequality.”
He explained that righteousness must coincide with justice and faith works hand in hand with action.
“Don’t talk about it. Be about it,” he said.

Angie Slade is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.