Organizers plan gospel music celebration in honor of King
After learning the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast was canceled due to COVID, a couple of local residents wanted to find a new way to celebrate the life of King.
“We found this out at the last minute and really wanted our hometown to still have the opportunity to celebrate the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday,” co-organizer Avonda Wilson said. “Therefore, via our nonprofit, B4L Foundation, Inc., founded and created by Badin native Tito Thomas, we decided to host an admission-free event at the Agri-Civic Center to celebrate.
“I feel that gospel music was a very pivotal part before and during the Civil Rights Movement as well as the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
The event, called the Dr. MLK, Jr. Celebration Gospel Explosion, will be Jan. 15 at the Agri-Civic Center, 26032-B Newt Road, Albemarle. Doors open at 3 p.m., with the program beginning at 4 p.m.
Gospel singers and groups have volunteered to be a part of this event, said Wilson, who organized the event with Pam Smith of Albemarle. It will take the audience on a musical journey of gospel music before and during the Civil Rights Movement. Readings and poetry will also be shared.
Two local individuals will also be honored for their civil service.