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Sparking a mighty movement, citizens of Leeds and its neighboring areas throughout St. Clair, Shelby and Jefferson counties came together to celebrate and honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 15^th Annual Unity Breakfast.

Held at Barber Motorsports Park people from all races, different backgrounds and religious affiliations joined forces to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.’s mission of peace, love and unity.

Leeds mayor, David Miller spoke to the crowd describing his days as a college student at the University of Alabama during the time of civil rights.

“In 1965 I graduated with Vivian Malone, the first black student to attend the University of Alabama,” Miller said. “We’ve indeed come a long way, but not near far enough. It is my goal to work in harmony every day of the year. It is my solemn obligation that every citizen will be heard. God bless us all as we work together toward this endeavor.”

Spreading their excitement to the audience The Children of Joy choir performed “Happy Birthday Martin” and “What The World Needs Now Is Love.”

Reverend Curtis White, Sr., with Greater Mount Calvary Church in Leeds, introduced guest speaker Pastor Arthur Price, Jr. from Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in downtown Birmingham.

“Everyone should have a Mayberry in their life,” said White. “Leeds is my Mayberry. I thank God for Leeds.”

Pastor Price started by saying, “Give honor to who honor is due. We are here to honor legacy and leadership to commemorate and move forward.”

Emphasizing that we as a society cannot live our lives looking in the past, Price said it’s time to cross over.

“It’s time to cross over, moving on to the place God would have us to be,” said Price. “Our present is ever before us. We’ve battled in fraction and friction for too long. It’s time to cross over.”

Transforming from devastation to destiny Price added, “We’ve been stuck in inequality far too long. It’s time to get our gumption that is gone back.”

This progression is what Martin Luther King, Jr. referred to when he said, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Continuing the celebration, Leeds Community Praise Dance Ministry performed and the Dr. King Community Service Awards along with the Mr. Earnest E. Garner Leadership Award were presented.

Dr. Carl Marbury presented Pat Hall with the Drum Major Award (inspired by King’s February 1968 Drum Major Instinct Sermon) while Leeds city councilman, Kenneth Washington presented another Drum Major Award to Anthony Capp.

Pastor C. Shaemun Webster with The Tower of Prayer Church received the Mr. Earnest E. Garner Leadership Award.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast committee member Sabrina Rose said, “Churches are the foundation of this event.”

Bridging the gap between differences by unifying the masses through a dream, the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lives on as we continue to move forward in the decision to grow and progress.

“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.