Written by Tanya Terry, with featured photo by Tanya Terry
The Great Lakes Baptist District Associations recently offered a Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event at First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church where speakers pointed out that the work of King is still extremely relevant today.
Moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist District Association Allen Overton Sr. has been attending the annual event for well over 30 years.
“It’s important that we all annually take time to reflect and revitalize and reset to continue to fight for the injustice of humanity,” Overton said. “It’s important that we take some time to focus on what has been and focus on what needs to be to continue the fight for civil rights, equal opportunities and justice for all.”
Overton thought Pastor Bobo did a wonderful presentation on “keeping the dream alive,” encouraging and motivating attendees to “keep fighting the good fight of faith.”
Additionally, Overton said it is immensely important that youth know their true history, with the current days being the “most uncertain times” he’s ever lived in.
Jornèt Willingham offered attendees a youth perspective, speaking on the theme “Is Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream Still Relevant to Today’s Youth?”
“Without reservation or hesitation, I can give a resounding YES to that question,” Willingham said in her speech.
She continued: “Even though Dr. King was assassinated 44 years before I was born, I am privileged to have had the opportunity to learn about his great legacy and the tremendous impact that this powerful gospel preacher and civil rights leader has had in bringing about positive and effective change throughout our nation. I know what Dr. King fought for; his beliefs, his vision of world peace, the brotherhood of mankind and racial equality.”
Willingham continued by saying “Dr. King’s dream is more relevant TODAY than EVER before – particularly under the Trump administration.”
“He effectively ELIMINATED affirmative action requirements for federal contractors and dismantled Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Programs within the federal government and then targeted private sector DEI initiatives. Also, on his radar is a multitude of issues that Dr. King stamped, such as his fight against poverty and economic injustice.”
Willingham stated that through education we gain knowledge.
“Knowledge when used is POWER.”
Willingham also talked abut how marijuana, alcohol and other substances directly affect memory, learning, attention, decision-making, emotions and coordination that are “needed to succeed.”
Additionally, she asked for parents, guardians, pastors, churches and the community at large to rally around the youth.
Willingham’s great-grandmother, Diane Crowder, felt good knowing Willingham understood what we, as a people, need to do to keep pursuing what Martin Luther King Jr. laid out for us. Earl Crowder, Willingham’s great-grandfather felt good knowing Willingham can do everything she only believes she can do as long as she puts her trust in God.
Pertaining the intended purpose of her speech, Willingham stated the following to the Courier: “I hope that my speech was more than just words to my listeners. I especially want young people to understand the crisis that our nation is facing and how our lives are being negatively affected. It is important that we do everything in our power to rise above the roadblocks that are being laid to hinder us. We must prepare for academic and economic success through education in order to rise above the pitfalls that lie ahead.”
Pastor Ronald L. Bobo Sr., senior pastor of the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church of Flint, spoke to the crowd about the scripture from Amos 5:24. It reads: 24 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream (KJV).
King talked about and recited the scripture while alive.
Noting people may not fully understand the scripture, Bobo stated: “People need to understand that Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Lord, came to earth to teach us how to love and how to treat people. He believed in justice. In fact, he began his whole ministry dealing with Luke 4: 18: The spirit of the Lord is upon me. He’s anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, to set at liberty those who are bound, to open the doors for those who are incarcerated.
“The Lord has given us that mandate. It’s a part of who the church is, and what the church ought to be. But, for those who will not listen, there is judgment. I believe this country is under judgment because they have done the exact opposite of what God has commanded us to do.”
Bobo hopes his message was one that will inspire its hearers to do the work of justice and liberation for others.
“We cannot forget our history and our heritage, but we also cannot forget where we find our hope,” Bobo said.
Dr. K.D. Yarber, Great Lakes District Baptist Leadership and Educational Congress president, was present at the incredible event. Besides introducing Bobo, he spoke highly of the 2026 Collector’s Edition African American History Calendar ahead of Black History Month. Previously, he said this calendar allowed its users to learn the truth about real people who have made the world better.
The 2026 Collector’s Edition African American History Calendar is available at fine bookstores or retail outlets where Black-themed calendars are sold, and also online at www.baacc.online
