BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
Monday marked the celebration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, and in Bradford County that included celebrating those who continue to be inspired by his example.
The Jan. 17 program at the Gov. Charley E. Johns Conference Center recognized honorees Charlie and Tedrick Brown, Pastor Gloria Rebecca Brown,
Minister Esther Kelly and retired City Clerk Ricky Thompson, as well as students involved in Upward Bound. (See related stories.)
The youth centered program also recognized athletes from Bradford Middle School and Bradford High School, including the undefeated BMS girls basketball team.
The youth-centered program also served as an opportunity to motivate them to higher achievement.
“I just want to let you know how beautiful you are because most everybody out there, you represent our young folk, our next generation, our future,” said County Commissioner Carolyn Spooner, who presided over the program.
Concerned Citizens President Alica McMillian said the organization was formed following school desegregation to preserve the RJE campus and prevent it from becoming a bus barn. Today it persists in supporting the community and its youth.
“They say you’re lost, but that’s a lie,” McMillian said. “We’re going to do everything we possibly can to help you if you want to be helped.”
The community’s and school district’s partnership with Santa Fe College has made it possible for anyone who wants an education to receive it, whether they have money or not, said McMillian. Be it a two- or four-year degree, or certification in a trade, it’s an opportunity they need to take advantage of, she said.
“All the assistance that’s available to you now, we didn’t have,” she said.
McMillian attended Santa Fe on a scholarship before completing her education at the University of Florida and the University of North Florida. The decision to get married in her final year delayed obtaining her degree. After becoming a mother, she decided to finish the work and obtain her bachelor’s degree, but instead of a single year, it took seven years of traveling to Jacksonville twice a week after work.
“If you don’t get it now while you’re young, it’s going to be hard. I’m not saying you won’t get it, but it’s going to be difficult,” she said.
“Get your education. You’re going to need it. Don’t let anyone tell you any different,” said McMillian, remarking how some students are graduating high school and receiving a two-year college degree along with their diploma. “Come on, guys! I wish I had that then,” she said, urging them to wake up and stop wasting time on social media.
“Leave Facebook alone, it ain’t nothing but trouble. Leave TikTok alone, it ain’t nothing but trouble,” she said, calling it “a bunch of foolishness” and telling parents to do their part to shut it down.
“I’m saying this because I see you young people, I see potential,” she said. “I want y’all to do good. Please, wake up. You ain’t perfect, but if you mess up, straighten it up, get it together. You’ve got the opportunity.”
Dr. King isn’t dead, McMillian said. He has just gone home.
“You need to follow him,” saying he was more than a tool used by God, he was a prophet. She emphasized his message of nonviolence, telling the youth you follow King by embodying his nonviolence, and that starts with having a nonviolent mind. Once it’s there, no one can take that peace away.
The program also included prayers and presentations by BHS Homecoming King and Queen Jaquan Bryant and Santee Blye, Carnell Williams, music from Minister Bruce J. Griner and the MLK Choir, and a praise dance by Jimmy “Soldchyld” Hankerson Jr.
