A large crowd of marchers braved bitterly cold temperatures for Geneva’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day March and Service Monday. They filled the First United Methodist Church downtown where keynote speaker the Reverend Dr. Norvel Goff Sr. observed that it is a challenging time for those who carry on the legacy of Dr. King.
“The more we think about the dream and the more we honor the dream, the more some folk would like to turn the dream into a nightmare.”
In an increasingly impassioned speech, Goff exhorted the crowd to continue the fight for civil rights.
“I want you to know that even today that racism and bigotry and discrimination, we should not stand or sit for it, whether it’s in our house or the White House.”
Goff’s call to action was especially focused on building Dr. King’s “Beloved Community” and taking action in our own communities.
“I’m going to honor the dream and I’m going to become active in my community...block watches and community meetings. You can’t stay home and let somebody else do it. You’ve got to go to the board of education meetings for our young people and for ourselves. I’ve never witnessed a time when we celebrate stupidity.”
In addition to the Reverend Dr. Goff, a number of local and state officials spoke and the MLK Memorial Choir performed. A fellowship dinner was served following the service.
