VALDOSTA — “It’s not a Latino issue, it’s a human issue,” said the Rev. Kimberlee Payton Jones. 

Jones was the keynote speaker during Saturday’s 34th Annual Founders’ Banquet hosted by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center.

“Humanity tied in a single garment of destiny” was the theme for the packed dinner event.

Jones encouraged acceptance of immigrants during her speech concerning the government shutdown and President Donald Trump’s proposal to build a wall between the United States and Mexico.

She equated the separation of immigrant families to the slavery of African-Americans.

“I think of our ancestors who had their babies ripped from their breasts and ripped from their arms and sold off and who were never seen again,” she said. “And we might say, well, these people are not citizens, so they don’t deserve the same rights that we have. But I say to you today, they may not deserve citizen rights but they deserve human rights.”

During the banquet, Dr. Beverley Richardson Blake received “A Candle in the Dark” award for her community involvement through multiple organizations.

Blake is a member of the Valdosta Civic Roundtable, Valdosta Junior Women’s Club, Service of God with Open Arms, Valdosta State University Alumni Board of Directors, Southside Library Boosters and the National Council of Negro Women.

She is also a member of the community advisory board for The Valdosta Daily Times.

“This honoree is a change maker, service-giver, community volunteer and an advocate for our children,” Dr. Samuel Clemons said during an introduction.

Blake’s daughter, Brittanye Blake, presented her with the award.

Love in Action, a duo, sang two selections throughout the occasion and a short skit depicted how the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee was formed.

Ruth Kimball Council created the committee in winter 1985 to provide “commemorative services for the slain ‘drum major’ of human rights, and to perpetuate his philosophy of brotherly love,” according to organizers.

Valdosta City Councilman Joseph “Sonny” Vickers, Mildred Hunter, Ralph Council, Henry Everson, Willie Houseal, Evelyn Hargrett and others were charter members, according to organizers.

The annual observance continues Sunday, Jan. 20, at the Saint Paul A.M.E. Church where Pastor Ronnie B. Brinson Jr. will be the guest speaker.

A youth program is scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21, at the Mathis City Auditorium. A fellowship dinner will follow the program, and guests are asked to bring canned goods for donations. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.