2023 Benton Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations
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Elisha Morrison
Reporter
- Updated
The city of Benton celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy with events all day Monday. The festivities were organized by organized by a partnership of the Ralph Bunche Neighborhood Association, Benton School District, Central Arkansas Development Council, the city of Benton, Everett Buick GMC, First Baptist Church, First Security Bank, Ralph Bunche CDC, The Saline Courier and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Alpha Alpha Rho Omega Chapter.
The day included a prayer breakfast, community service, a parade and The Great Gathering.
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Emcee Deborah Hale
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Opening remarks, scripture and blessing from Saline Health System CEO Michael Stewart
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Volunteers serve the prayer breakfast.
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First Baptist Church Pastor Rick Grant.
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Elder Samuel Brazell, Elect Temple Church of God In Christ, gives Reflections on Dr. King Jr.
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Pastor Ed Spurlock, of First Baptist Benton.
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Camilla Givens, of Benton High School, reads the first portion of "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
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Sandy Kurosaki gives the prayer for community.
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Principal Dondre Harris, give prayer for schools.
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The second portion of "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is read by Shara Stamps, of Benton Jr. High.
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Patricia Ealy gives the prayer for the military.
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Saline County Library Director Patty Hector gives the prayer for justice.
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Javeion Lewis, of Benton Jr. High, reads the third section of "Letter from Birmingham Jail."
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Linda Smith give the prayer for the nation.
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First United Methodist Church Benton Pastor Keith Dodson gives the prayer for unity.
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The final section of "Letter from Birmingham Jail" is read by Blake Covert, of Benton High School.
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Kenneth Newburn, of Mt. Zion, gives a vocal performance.
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Saline County Judge Matt Brumley gives the 10-Minute Challenge.
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Superintendent Dr. Kim Anderson accepts a Community Service Award presented by Benton Mayor Tom Farmer.
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Tiffany Dunn, of Recycle Saline, accepts a Community Service Award.
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Linda Smith accepts the Community Service Award for Dr. Robin Freeman.
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Elisha Morrison accepts a Community Service Award for the Saline Courier.
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Benton Mayor Tom Farmer speaks during the Great Gathering while 2022 Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell looks on.
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The Latting Crew poses with their trophy for taking first place in the parade.
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Mt. Zion Baptist Church accepts second place in the parade from 2022 Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell, the parade's grand marshal.
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A sling shot entry took third in the parade.
Elisha Morrison
Reporter
