News Summary
Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of events starting January 19, 2023. The celebrations include a worship service led by Rev. Dr. British Hyrams, a day of community service by students, and a keynote address by Dr. Charryse Johnson. The college will also present the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace and Justice Award to Captain Patrick Cullen for his commitment to community service and justice. All events are free and open to the public, fostering unity and reflection in honor of King’s legacy.
Celebrating a Legend: Presbyterian College Honors Martin Luther King Jr. and Local Heroes
Clinton, South Carolina – In a heartwarming tribute to the legendary Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Presbyterian College is set to host a series of events that embrace his values of faith, service, and justice. The celebrations kick off on Sunday, January 19, at 10:30 a.m., with a beautiful worship service at the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton.
At the helm of this uplifting service will be the esteemed Rev. Dr. British Hyrams, who will deliver an inspiring sermon that aims to channel the spirit of King. To add a melodic touch to the occasion, the Presbyterian College Choir, under the skillful direction of Kipper Ackerman, will perform selected musical pieces that are sure to resonate with the hearts of attendees.
A Day of Service in King’s Honor
As the nation pauses to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on January 20, the students of Presbyterian College will roll up their sleeves for a day of service throughout Laurens County. These volunteer projects, organized by Student Volunteer Services, aim to embody King’s dream of a united and compassionate community, reminding us all of the importance of giving back.
Keynote Address: A Vision for Justice
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 22, as the excitement continues with a noteworthy keynote address at 6 p.m. in Edmunds Hall. Dr. Charryse Johnson, a nationally recognized expert in mental health and counseling psychology, will take the stage. Her address, themed “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” aims to challenge and inspire attendees to carry forward King’s ideals every single day of the year.
Dr. Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the podium, being the founder of Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness and the author of various publications. Her dedication to mental health is matched only by her academic accomplishments, which include degrees in vocal music, human development, professional counseling, and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology. Attendees are in for an enlightening evening that underscores the need for mental wellness in the pursuit of social justice.
Recognizing Community Commitment
The celebration of Dr. King’s legacy doesn’t stop there. During the 37th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration held at Clinton Community College, a heartfelt moment will take place as Captain Patrick Cullen receives the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace and Justice Award. This award is presented to individuals or organizations that truly embody King’s principles of peace, equality, and justice.
Captain Cullen’s impressive 35-year tenure with the Clinton Police Department has seen him make significant strides in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community. His roles as a school resource officer and youth soccer coach highlight his commitment to nurturing the younger generation. Notably, he has also initiated a program that pairs mental health professionals with police officers to enhance crisis intervention, showcasing a profound dedication to community well-being.
Join the Celebration
The events honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrating local heroes are free and open to the public, inviting everyone to participate in this important and uplifting celebration. As Presbyterian College reflects on Dr. King’s legacy, it’s a wonderful opportunity for residents of Clinton and beyond to engage, reflect, and continue his mission of fostering compassion and justice.
This is more than just a series of events; it’s a chance to come together as a community, uplift one another, and keep the dream alive. Don’t miss out on this inspiring celebration!
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Additional Resources
- KWQC: Clinton Police Captain Honored with MLK Peace and Justice Award
- Wikipedia: Martin Luther King Jr.
- Clinton Herald: Unity is Everything
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Martin Luther King Jr.
- My Clinton News: Continue MLK’s Fight
