News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP planning its celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 16th.
Branch President Tom Savage said the keynote speaker will be Gloria Sweet-Love, President of the Tennessee State Conference NAACP. Savage said all from the community are welcome to attend and to honor Dr. King’s legacy.
“It’s a meaningful holiday, it’s the only Black holiday we’ve ever had for a citizen and that’s Dr. King,” Savage said. “His impact on African-Americans and in this nation through peaceful participation.”
Savage said other guests will include Katie Wood, who will do a Kwanzaa exhibit. He said Morris Irby will recite Dr. King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech.
The celebration will be held at the Algood Methodist Church. Savage said that they want to recognize King’s integral role in the civil rights of African Americans.
“Where it was a non-violent approach to lift of people of color in the United States,” Savage said. “As you know, coming out of Jim Crow, helping implement Brown vs. Board of Education and the integration of schools, and just you know, making sure we’re able to vote. At that time we were not able to vote, and in 1964 with the Civil Rights Act, which he played a major role in. And just bringing about harmony in America through peace and love.”
