BY MELISSA PYLE
Telegraph Staff Writer
Donors and supporters were recognized with an awards ceremony. The event began in a spirit of unity and prayer Pastor Cynthia Bailey prayed a beautiful prayer of thanks, not only for the dinner, but for all that God has done in the community. This was an ongoing theme throughout the evening. Starke Mayor Scott Roberts thanked the community for coming together “not just for tonight, but for many things, especially the gym renovation.”
Mayor Roberts was one of several community leaders in attendance.
The event had moving moments, one being the musical selection of “Lift Everyone Voice and Sing”, led by Minister Bruce Griner. The crowd stood and sang in unity.
Starke City Clerk Jimmy Crosby Jr. and Mrs. Judy Sumpter recognized the largest sponsors in attendance with an awards presentation. Bradford County and the city of Starke were one of the largest donors with Mayor Roberts and Commissioners Diane Andrews and Carolyn Spooner accepting the award on behalf of the city and county commissions. There were also large donations recognized from businesses and organizations such as FPL, Folds and Walker Law Firm, L & M Mobile Homes, Woodward & Curran, Chemours, the Williams family, and the Bradford County Democrats.
The banquet’s keynote speaker was Aubroncee Martin. Martin served for years as a public defender and used some personal illustrations in his speech. He began with a challenge to all in attendance by saying, “It’s important when we have the opportunity to put a little more good in the world, we should do it.”.
Martin also emphasized the quality of what one does in their life when he quoted, “It’s the quality of your life, not the longevity,” from an old Time magazine article written when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was still alive. One thing Martin continued to say was something not often said about great leaders, but Martin wanted to get the point across that all people have within their power, the ability to make a difference and changes in their own world. He repeatedly said, “Martin Luther King was special but not unique.”
This simple, yet profound statement was a challenge to everyone in attendance to carry on King’s dream and to be the positive change within your realm of influence. Martin reminded everyone that the movement MLK started is still relevant today because, “It’s a spirit of legacy building and breaking generational curses.”
Martin closed his speech with a story of a young man whom he met working in the street law program and whose case file later ended up on his desk. He needed a public defender. Martin said if even just a friend or bystander had taken a stand for what was right, this young man’s story could have been different. Martin said many times we need to be like Dr. King and take risks but taking risks can be scary.
Martin said, “But we need to take a risk, stand up and be counted, no matter the cost.”
After Martin’s challenging words and inspirational thoughts, the night’s honorees were recognized. The Rev. Clarence DeSue Jr., Katherine P. “Kate” Ellison, and the Rev. Alvin Greene were this year’s honorees. DeSue said he was thankful for the people of Starke and the diversity represented. He shared a quote by John Wesley that he said he lives by, “Do all the good that you can do, stay in love with God and do no harm.” Ellison thanked everyone for embracing her and allowing her to serve the community. Greene gave heartwarming thanks to God and the goodness of the community.
Greene said, “I may be a pastor in Lake City, but Starke is my home.” He welcomed anyone who ever
needed a listening ear to stop by and see him anytime.
The constant theme of the evening was humility and service. This was evident with each honoree who was humbled to be recognized, with the leaders and members of Concerned Citizens, the business and community partners who believe in a greater cause, and the spirit of MLK’s dream of unity shared by all in attendance.
Concerned Citizens President Alica McMillian ended the evening with a word of thanks for all the support shown from attendees and the community. McMillian is thrilled to see the dream of the RJE gymnasium becoming a reality. The evening ended on a joyous note, with many smiling faces, and hope for the future.
