TASTE: The dinner that never was
Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20 will be celebrated in Georgetown, with a parade at noon starting on the north side of the Courthouse on Seventh Street. It will continue to Macedonia Baptist Church (206 Martin Luther King Jr. Street) and culminate with a program sponsored by the Georgetown Fellowship of Churches.
As the pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Dr. King preached love and nonviolence. His “I Have a Dream” speech in front of over 25,000 people, changed hearts and minds forever. At age 35 he became the youngest recipient to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Dr. King was honored posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, awarded by Jimmy Carter. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday honoring King. The initial observance on the third Monday in January was held in 1986.
As a Baptist preacher, Reverend King enjoyed fellowship centered around meals. However, during the civil rights movement food was often eaten on the run. When Dr. King did have a chance to sit down to a meal, shop talk was replaced with lively conversation.
On April 4, 1968, The Reverend Samuel “Billy” Kyles, pastor at Monumental Baptist Church, invited Dr. King to his home for dinner. The meal was carefully prepared by church ladies and included King’s favorite dishes: fried chicken, ham, sweet potatoes, two kinds of greens, crowder peas and sweet potato pie.
“He wanted to know what was for dinner,” Kyles remembered in news accounts. “He teased me, saying that if I had bought a new house and couldn't afford a proper dinner that he was going to broadcast that on the radio.”
Kyles and The Reverend Ralph Abernathy arrived at King’s hotel room and the three preachers visited. King reflected on Martin Luther King Sr. and his maternal grandfather, the powerful minister A.D. Williams.
Shortly after 6 p.m. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was mortally shot as he stood outside his hotel room. Reverend Kyles sadly referred to the meal at his house as “the dinner that never was”.
Celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day are typically observed with marches and speeches by civil rights leaders. Students learn about the life and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. Some churches host interfaith prayer services to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy.
In addition there is an instinct to celebrate by gathering to enjoy food associated with Dr. King. Peach Cobbler was one of Dr. King’s favorite desserts. Enjoy the warm dessert as you reflect on his dream.
“So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Peach Cobbler
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) sliced peaches
1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
Whipped cream, optional
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Pour butter into a shallow 2-qt. baking dish; set aside. Drain peaches, reserving 1/4 cup juice. In a saucepan, bring peaches and reserved 1/4 cup juice just to a boil.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine 1 cup sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Stir in milk; mix well. Pour over butter in a baking dish. Spoon hot peaches over batter. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup sugar. Bake until bubbly and golden, 20-25 minutes. Serve warm and, if desired, with whipped cream.