Celebrating King among friends

One congregation even spilled out the doors to honor the works of Martin Luther King Jr.

By CAMILLE C. SPENCER, Times Staff Writer
Published January 22, 2008

Rev. Theopulas Robinson, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Dade City, stands before the congregation and leads a song during the annual Rev. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Commemorative Program. Audio slideshow: Remembering the dream
	[Mike Pease: Times]

PORT RICHEY - The boy stood in the pulpit, black suit and matching shoes, and spoke the words as if they were his own:

"Free at last, free at last. Thank God almighty, we're free at last!" his baritone echoing in the small sanctuary.

As Guy Michael turned to take his seat, the crowd at Union Missionary Baptist Church rose from their pews on Monday and gave the 14-year-old a standing ovation during their annual celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr.

Sponsored by the church and the African-American Club of West Pasco, the program included songs from the church's choir, remarks from New Port Richey Mayor Dan Tipton and a keynote speech by Pinellas County Judge James Vincent Pierce.

About 75 people tried to pack into the small sanctuary on Pinehill Road. Some lined chairs next to the pews and sat. Others stood near the church's open doors, while a cool breeze filtered in.

Organizers changed this year's venue from Sims Park in New Port Richey to the church, hoping to keep the program closer to members of the community who are active in the church and club.

"I'm glad it's here," said Morton Hummons of Brandon. "It's more intimate here. Out in the park, you don't bump into as many people."

The program sometimes resembled a church service, as some shouted "amen" and clapped.

Some said Michael's reading of King's speech was the highlight of the program.

"It's inspirational, and he read it with so much enthusiasm," said Joanne Williams of Tarpon Springs. "I enjoyed that and the fellowship of everyone being there."

During the keynote speech, Pierce discussed what King meant to the civil rights movement.

"He was more than a prophet," Pierce said. "He was a dreamer."

At the end of the ceremony, attendees held hands, raised them in the air and sang We Shall Overcome.

After the program, some pondered what King's legacy means today.

"He planted the seed," said Leonard Fisher of Beverly Hills in Citrus County. "But we've got to keep it growing."

Camille C. Spencer can be reached at cspencer@sptimes.com or 727 869-6229.

[Last modified January 21, 2008, 21:12:44]