“Tie your vision to the human desire for a better tomorrow.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Delanda S. Johnson/Special to HCN
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) dreamed of equal rights for all Americans and committed to making that dream come true. His dedication and talents made him the leader of the Civil Rights Movement. His famous “I Have A Dream” speech at the March On Washington moved the nation that August day in 1963. His extraordinary words and deeds made an impact we can still feel today–50 years after his passing. Dr. King was one of many brave trailblazers who fought for the advancement of African Americans.
On Saturday, January 19, at Johnson Chapel A. M. E. Church in Malakoff the community will come together to celebrate Rev. Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr. Gospel Explosion. The time for this event is 6:30 p.m. and will consist of area choirs, soloists, male chorus, etc., coming together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King.
Next, we have the Henderson County Black History Committee hosting a grand event on Monday, January 21, at the Church of the Living God, PGT in Athens. The MLK candlelight vigil will start at 7:00 pm with the doors opening at 6 p.m. This is a free event, however, reserve seating is $25.00 and there will be a public offering. Contact 903-489-2329 or 903-275-1330 for more information.
The H. C. B. H. C. will be presenting Gospel Recording Artist Luther Barnes. Rev. Barnes has not appeared in the East Texas area before and Henderson County and the surrounding Counties are planning a huge WELCOME.
Luther Barnes is a native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina and the son of the late Bishop F. C. Barnes and the late Willie Mae Barnes.
He graduated from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1976 with a BA Degree in Music Education. He then taught music in the Nash and Edgecombe School System and taught private lessons in voice and piano.
In 1984, Luther Barnes left teaching to devote full time to his music ministry. He traveled for a number of years with his father and sister Janice Brown after they recorded the ever-popular song, “Rough Side of the Mountain.”
Over the years Luther Barnes has evolved into one of gospel music’s premier male vocal artists while recording over 30 albums and CDs with The Red Budd Gospel Choir and the Sunset Jubilaires. Some of his most noted songs are: “I’m Still Holding On, Jesus Cares, It’s Your Time, Yet Love, the list goes on, with God’s Grace” from his latest release with The Restoration Worship Center Choir.
Rev. Barnes has received numerous awards and accolades including: The Stellar Award for Traditional CD of the Year, The Vision Award, The Gospel Heritage Award, The GMWA Excellence Award, The Truth Magazine Award in 2003, Best Male Vocalist of the Year and a Grammy Award Nomination in 2004. Rev. Barnes was inducted into the Twin County Hall of Fame in 2006. Luther and the Sunset Jubilaires along with his father Bishop F. C. Barnes have been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Detroit, Michigan and in Birmingham, Alabama.
Rev. Barnes was called to preach the word in 2006 and is the proud Pastor of Restoration Worship Center in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
He is happily married to Pamela Anglin Barnes and his motto continues to be “With God, all things are possible.”
