Despite the change of date and the chilling rainy weather, the village people answered with a resounding “Yes, We Got Next!” on Jan. 19 for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration held at the New Zion Baptist Church.
The Rev. Mack Frank called the assembly to order and the newly formed Unity for the Community Choir clad in black with red flowers marched down the center aisle led by Grand Marshal Elvonia Reed and minister Freddie Smith. Back by Popular Demand, Damien Hardy led the popular “Happy Birthday Song.”.
Sandra Johnson Simmons the featured speaker said, “We celebrate the progress and the change without losing sight that there is much yet to be done. Simmons made a passionate appeal urging everyone not to give up on voting and to maintain focus because she said ‘We All Got Next!’ “
She acknowledge her sisters and brother because growing up, they gave up playtime and spent many fortuitous hours helping her and listening to her practice for one thing to another. She said without them it would not have been possible for her to be guest speaker for the village prepared her!
Simmons message brought to focus that unjust laws are still being proposed and that they require vigilance and attention.
Chiquita Thomas presented Simmons with the Messengers Plaque.
The Unity For The Community Choir, under the direction of Mr. Damien Papillion, a native son, and Brandon Delphous had the entire congregation on its feet with phenomenal songs of praise. Members from the various churches choirs in Eunice comprised The Unity For The Community Choir. There were New Zion Baptist Church, Second Baptist Deliverance Church, Restoring God’s Ministry Church, St Luke Baptist Church, Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, Unity Baptist Church, Rock of Faith Bible Church and St. Mathilda Catholic Church.
Members of The Eunice Dr. M.L. King Dream Team awarded 10 area students $500 scholarships to help them with their journey at the next level. Students were Robbi Palmer, Rodrick Price, Amber Arvie, Kenzi Ned, Jazlyn Edwards, Brandon Babineaux, Victoria Ardoin, Benjamin Guillory, Olivia McDaniel and Taylor Guillory.
Several members of the community received the Carlton Frank Jr. Humanitarian Award:
Alzenia Richardson - Presented by Ms. Priscilla Simon;
Alice Cole Lavan - Presented by Ms. Catherine Thibodeaux;
Joesphine Watley - Presented by Ms. Debra Hardy; and
Coach Paul Trosclair - Presented by Ms. Irma Trosclair.
Attorney Paul DeRouselle, II presented the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Award to Quarterback Simeon Ardoin and the 3-A State Football Championship Team along with their Coaches. This presentation was met overwhelming support and a standing ovation.
Shelia Loeb Dixon, a retired teacher, called the foll of the dedicated village organizations and individuals who are change makers and bridgebuilders ready to to empower the next generation with the tools necessary to reach for and grasp “Greatness.” Over 25 answered the challenge and embraced the concept to continue on “Moving Forward” and cultivating the village with love and uplifting ideas of building better beloved village a few new comers like Dad-N-Kids, Open Up Your Hearts, Rob’s Southern Styles and Cuts, Pack the Park, Cover II, Restoring God’s Ministry G.E.D. and Antionette Bradshaw.
Chairlady Jacqueline Vallare in her final remarks thanked the many citizens for the over whelming support rendered at the prayer breakfast, parade and program. She emphasized this year’s 33rd annual celebration required sacrifices, sufferings, struggles and the tireless passionate concern of dedicated individuals. During the celebration program Prayers were rendered by Dr. Martin Luther King members Linda Freeman and Doris Bell.
