Milton High Student Leaves Her Mark at Ebenezer’s King Day Celebration

Commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., both young and old gathered outside the doors of the newly built on Monday. Hundreds lined the pews awaiting the comments and speeches of their spiritual and political leaders.

In the spirit of King, the initiatives have fused King’s principles with the spirit and energy of today’s youth by encouraging young people into leadership. They task a Litany of Commemoration for which young men and women are referred by their school’s principal to honor their school and their heritage by participating in the event.

This year, 12th grader Daniela Ortega of was chosen as a replacement. She stood on stage with 10 other participants on a platform of dignitaries from around metro Atlanta and across the country gathered for the celebration of the 82nd birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. and 25th anniversary of the national holiday.

“It’s wonderful to see so many of our young people coming out to participate in King Day and learning what his legacy is all about,” said Sharon Jefferson, friend to the extended King family.

Platform guests included U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Jr., Gov. Nathan Deal, Atlanta City Mayor Kasim Reed, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, the Rev. Raphael Warnock and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson.

 Holder received a standing ovation at the mention of his representation of President Barack Obama. He addressed concerns he has of the nation and advancements that are yet to be made in poorer communities.

Rep. John Lewis fanned the spark ignited by Holder, moving the crowd to its feet when he gave his testament to the trials they had to endure during the Civil Rights era. His account of the life of his friend, King, could be seen to stir the crowd's emotions.

Mayor Kasim Reed brought the crowd to its feet when he described his journey, his influences as a small child, and his aspirations to want to walk in the footsteps of Dr. King by affecting change and becoming Atlanta’s mayor.

The Rev. Raphael Warnock, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist, appeared to have inspired the crowd the most. His voice lifted, his words soared as he channeled the spirit of King Monday morning.

“Freedom is not a destination, it is a journey,” said Warnock as he described the continued struggle for many African Americans today.

He lauded King’s Christian nature and civility in the face of anguish and blatant racism.

“We first met the American Christ aboard slave ships over 300 years ago…we transformed Christianity,” Warnock said.

Warnock cited the unveiling ceremony for the King Memorial set for August of this year, in which a statue in King's likeness will stand across the monument of Thomas Jefferson. Referencing Thomas Jefferson’s line of “all men are created equal,”

Warnock closed with, “I can imagine if Dr. King were here today and could ask Thomas Jefferson about that quote, he would say, did you mean what you said, when you said what you said?”

Shortly thereafter Daniela, with the other students, gave the Litany of Commemoration.

"He reminded us that the spirit of man soars from depths of despair; with the strength and belief in the promise of the Creator of the universe. We know and we testify. The Lord loves justice. He will not forsake his saints," said Ortega.

Sachi Koto, president of Koto Communications, paid tribute to King, representing the people of her native culture in Japan. She told the crowd Japan celebrates King Day as well and also having an MLK Drive, like many U.S. cities. She told the story of growing up in Stone Mountain during the 1960s and witnessing burning crosses.

“My father wanted us to see those burning crosses because he knew we were people of color too,” Koto said.

Other tributes were paid by Xernona Clayton, founder of the Trumpet Awards and long time friend of King, the Rev. Willie Bolden, pastor of Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, and the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

“We too follow in the footsteps of Dr. King and righteousness, we too look for day when our Hispanic brothers and sisters won’t have to suffer the oppressive hand of racial profiling just for the color of their skin,” the Rev. Rodriguez said, drawing comparison of modern civil rights struggles to King’s era.

Finally, Martin Luther King III arrived at the podium to standing ovation.

“We must stop treating my father like some kind of superhero, but rather understand he was a man of integrity, honor, civility and conviction, that’s something we can all aspire to,” King's son said.

Drucilla Mayes summed up the Ebenezer Baptist celebration.

“I was so proud to see our first black attorney general and be a part of such a powerful service, I think Dr. King is smiling down on us right now,”  she said.