Community to Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 17

Residents of Tryon and surrounding areas are invited to the Eastside Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on January 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. The event will take place at the St. Luke CME Church, located at 462 Markham Road, and will honor the legacy of Dr. King through reflection, inspiration, and a call to action.

This year’s celebration features guest speaker Melinda P. Lowrance, a respected civic leader from Hendersonville. Lowrance has a long history of community advocacy and business leadership, serving as a member of the City Council since her appointment in May 2024. She is also the president of the Henderson County NAACP, where she focuses on educational equity and social justice initiatives.

Event Details and Community Impact

The theme for this year’s program is “The Dream Deferred, but Not Ended,” emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Dr. King’s vision for justice and equality. Lowrance’s extensive involvement in civic organizations, including her roles on the Hendersonville Board of Adjustment since 1998 and the city’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee, reflects her commitment to community empowerment.

The celebration will not only feature Lowrance’s address but also special music by the Burns Sisters. Following the program, attendees are invited to a light repast in the church’s fellowship hall. The event is free and supported by a Building Community Grant from the Polk County Community Foundation, awarded through the Roseland Community Center.

Encouragement for Community Participation

Community members are encouraged to attend this significant event, which aims to foster a spirit of unity and reflection. The celebration rotates annually among historic African American churches and organizations within Tryon’s Historic Eastside community, highlighting the importance of remembering Dr. King’s contributions and the ongoing fight for civil rights.

As the event draws near, organizers hope to inspire attendees to engage in meaningful discussions about justice and equality, keeping Dr. King’s dream alive. This gathering promises to be both a celebration of history and a platform for future actions that strive toward a more equitable society.