Houston County NAACP holds annual march to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

WARNER ROBINS —  The Houston County NAACP and other attendees marched from Union Grove Baptist Church to the Wellston Center to honor Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan.19. 

Following the march, there was a program filled with singing and a rendition of King’s phone call with President Lyndon B. Johnson, which eventually led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This performance was called “A Message from Dr. King” performed by Marvin Lee. 

There were also remarks from members of the Houston County NAACP and pastors from local churches. 

One of those pastors was guest speaker Mack McCullough with Word In Season Ministries. He shared the theme of this year’s event is “Mission Possible” which motivated attendees to achieve what others may consider impossible. 

McCullough said other MLK events may leave people feeling uninspired or angry. He said those events may feel like history lessons and confrontations that provoked emotion but offered no outlook. 

However, he hoped to challenge those feelings by creating a theme that gave the audience hope, just like King did. 

“[King] told the truth without malice. He confronted injustice without yielding hope. He believed words could hurt, but he also believed words could heal,” he said. 

McCullough shared this theme can also inspire others to build community, unity and choose a non-violent way in the world. He said this was King’s assignment and believes it should also be followed today. 

He also mentioned reconciliation and says it always begins with honesty. 

McCullough spoke about African American history remembering veterans and those who fought for their rights. 

“Our story contains enslavement and endurance, segregation and survival, exclusion and excellence and yet our story is not only one of pain, but it’s one of contribution,” he said. 

He shared current struggles in the community including gun violence. McCullough believes anyone can serve as a mentor for children with local youth groups encouraging middle and high school students to serve their community. He believes this is reconciliation in action. 

He said future generations need presence, good examples and guidance rooted in care. 

McCullough encouraged everyone to leave the event feeling they could be stewards of reconciliation, justice and hope. 

“Dr.King taught us that non-violence is not selective. It begins at home, in our neighborhoods, in our schools, in our churches and in our everyday choices that we make when no one is watching,” he said. “Gun violence, murder, [and] self destruction continue to devastate our communities. These are not distant headlines; they are personal losses that leave empty seats at dinner tables, unanswered phone calls and futures that never unfold.”

Towards the end of the event, President of the Houston County NAACP Jonathan Johnson encouraged attendees to volunteer and donate to the organization so they can continue raising awareness on local issues. 

The Houston County NAACP office is located at 213 Suzanne Drive. To keep up with the organization, visit their Facebook page.