Dr. King Honored
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Opelousas was at near capacity on Monday as several elected officials reminded those in attendance of the universal message and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rebecca Henry, who has organized 44 consecutive citywide parades and ceremonies honoring King on his birthday, directed the Monday program that included remarks by keynote speaker Cleo Fields.
Fields, whose U.S. Congressional District includes St. Landry Parish, was preceded by speeches from Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor and Police Chief Graig LeBlanc, following a parade that cut through the center of the city.
Former Opelousas Police Chief Donald Thompson opened the church event with a lengthy overview of the major ideas included in several of King’s most recognized ideas.
The event provided an infusion of young musical and interpretative dance talent as well as musician presentations by the Holy Ghost Gospel Singers and the Opelousas Junior High band.
Message From Fields
It is the young American generation, Fields said, that needs to be cognizant of the ideals presented by King.
“Dr. King reminded us that we have to work hard and we need to do that in order to save this generation of young people,” Fields said.
Fields also alluded to an America in which he described as veering off course under the Trump Administration.
America, said Fields, has either cut or eliminated funding for several federal departments.
The implementation of ICE agents, Fields claimed, have helped limit the individual rights of people living in the United States, while The Department of Justice has unlimited investigative powers.
Greenland is in danger of losing its sovereignty if annexed by the United States, Fields added.
King, said Fields, emphasized there is nothing an individual can’t do if a person intends to do the right thing.
Local Officials
LeBlanc said King frequently asked crowds where they stood in times of conflict.
City police, LeBlanc said, have met the challenges of violence with accountability. “We have taken stands when needed, through partnerships and community building,” LeBlanc said.
His department, said LeBlanc has attempted to act using compassion and hope, which he added has resulted in peace, justice and service.
Although his doctrines were messaged over 60 years ago, Alsandor said what King said in those speeches has inspired succeeding generations.
King envisioned an inclusive and just society, attributes that Alsandor said continue to inspire later generations.
Americans, Alsandor noted, are expected to “carry forward” the essence of King’s philosophy, which emphasizes civic duty.
Thompson said King expected Americans to recognize individual talents and use those to pursue a society of justice and love in which giving up was not optional.
“We are called by Dr. King to be responsible and show how we should treat and love one another. We must remember that in the midst of hate, he chose love,” said Thompson.
