Cold MLK Jr. Day finds warmth in hope and community
Cold Texas weather could not deter marchers at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade that went from the county courthouse to Macedonia Baptist Church on January 20.
After the march, attendees huddled into the warmth of the indoors to mingle, sing and listen to this year’s speaker, Sonja Cousar, founder and CEO of Georgetown-based Sunshine Counselor LLC. The business offers therapy and Licensed Professional Counseling for anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD, ADHD, depression and more.
Ms. Cousar spoke to the audience about her journey to where she is today and how she overcame personal challenges to help people overcome theirs.
“We can overcome anything,” she said. “Remember, changes that you make for others can be just as significant as you make for your own self. I urge you today, don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. Don’t let your challenges define you. Instead, use them as fuel to prepare you forward.
“Seek help when you need it, and never give up on your dreams. Remember, you are capable of amazing things. You are strong, you are brave, you are resilient, you are worthy of love and success.”
Additional speakers included The Reverend Dr. E. Alan Beson from Wesley Chapel African Methodist Episcoal Church, The Reverend Dr. Jeff Smith from Wellspring United Methodist Church, resident Rylie Thomas and Regina B. Durden, president of the Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association.
A man to remember
Born in Atlanta in 1929, Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and activist made famous for his work in the American Civil Rights movement before being assassinated in 1968.
A leader of the movement, Mr. King helped organize protests, sit-ins and boycotts, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, in which Black citizens protested segregated seating on buses in Montgomery, Alabama, by refusing to ride them for an entire year.
His efforts played an instrumental role in bringing about the Civil Rights Act of 1964 — making institutional segregation illegal — and the passage of the 24th Amendment to the United States Constitution — abolishing the poll tax. Mr. King is also well known for his “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the March on Washington in 1963.
Remaining MLK events
For those who missed Monday’s events, there are more events throughout the month that honor the work of Mr. King.
On January 29, Southwestern University will have an MLK Luncheon and keynote address as part of its Dream Week celebrations. From 12:30-1:30 p.m., motivational speaker and author Derrick Standifer will speak about persistence, triumph and overcoming tragedy. This event is free and open to the public.
Closing out the month, a performance of the play Thurgood will be given at the Alma Thomas Theater on January 31 at 7:30 p.m. The play celebrates the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Admission is free but tickets are required and can be found at https://tinyurl.com/3k94bywa.
Black History Month on the way
The Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association is also planning two February events in honor of Black History Month.
A banquet is scheduled for February 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Southwestern University’s McCombs Campus Center. Tickets are $30 and table reservations are $300. To purchase tickets, call 512- 636-4576.
Shotgun House tours will take place February 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Shotgun House Museum is located at 801 West Street, Georgetown.
Originating in 1975, Georgetown Cultural Citizen Memorial Association is a nonprofit aimed to inform, keep and honor African American history in Georgetown. A list of upcoming community events can be found at https://gccmatx.com.