Successful attorney Kedar Ismail offered a simple, two-point plan for social engagement and change in a call to action at the January 17 program kicking off Pierce County’s annual program honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr.
Ismail is the founder and lead attorney of the Law Offices of Kedar K. Ismail in Springfield, MA. He grew up in Elizabeth, NJ, but has family ties to Pierce County. Ismail recalls trips to Blackshear to see his grandmother, Katie Hall, when he was growing up. He recalled her stories of no electricity, no running water, of long hard work in the tobacco and cotton fields and living in the harsh realities of the “Jim Crow” South before desegregation and integration.
“My question to us is, are we doing better or are we doing worse?” Ismail asked the congregation.
“We have it far better than my grandmother's generation. We have come a long way when we look at what they went through. They depended on faith in God and they made it,” he declared.
Kedar turned to the Scriptures, reading Psalm 107:2 (NIV) where it says “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story”.
Ismail said he looked at his own success as an attorney as an opportunity to give back through youth scholarships at his church.
He encouraged those present, the redeemed, to also tell their stories. He emphasized the need for African Americans to vote — not just register to vote, but actually cast ballots in every election — not just for president. Addressing something he sees nearly every day, he asked those present to serve on juries.
“We need African Americans to serve on juries,” he said. “Don’t try to get out of it. We need to serve our communities.”
Ismail said it is important for African Americans to keep Dr. King’s dream alive and he asked everyone to tell their story, to those who can help and to those who are the helpers. He also urged unity.
“We are better together and not separated. If we are together, and not divided, we won’t be left behind.'
Ismail’s remarks complimented the theme for this year’s celebration: “Mission Possible: Building Community, Uniting a Nation, The Non Violent Way.”
A large crowd was present for the program, held at Evergreen Church near Bristol.
The Evergreen Church Choir offered several musical selections during the program including “I Have a Testimony” and “I Trust in God”.
Sandra Jackson introduced Ismail prior to his speech. Jackie Turner served as presider at the event. Elder Dr. Michael David offered the Scripture and Deacon Timmy Harris offered the opening prayer. Minnie McBride gave the welcome.
Deacon Raymond and Deaconness Debra Lincoln conducted the offering and Deacon Lincoln offered prayer. The offering benefits the Cora Bailey and Abraham Thompson Memorial Scholarship, which will be presented later this year.
“Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” was sung by the congregation to close the service. The Rev. Nathaniel Anderson, pastor of Evergreen Church, offered the closing prayer and the blessing.
Refreshments were served after the program.
Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Committee, known as the Dream Keepers, include Chairman Isaac Moses, Co-Chair Jackie Moses, Secretary Myra Vanessa James, Treasurer Ellene Henry, Co-Treasurer Jackie Moses, Spiritual Leader Elder Dr. Michael David, Communications Director Bettye Holmes and members Bette Bailey, Mattie Daniels, Juanita Davis, Debra Lincoln and Minnie McBride.
No local officials attended the event.
