The MLK, Jr., Observance Day Association held the 2019 MLK Freedom Gala last Saturday evening at the Hyatt Regency Savannah. Hardie Davis, the first African American elected mayor of the consolidated Augusta-Richmond County, GA, was the keynote speaker for the occasion. He concluded his speech in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the 5Cs: Compassion, Conviction, Cooperation, Commitment and Courage.
The Rev. Matthew Southall Brown, Sr., often described as the dean of pastors in Savannah, was honored with the association’s Humanitarian Award. Attorney Doug Andrews presented Pastor Brown with his ranking medals from his military service.
“We are pleased to present these two community focused leaders as part of the annual celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Carolyn Blackshear, president of the MLK Observance Day Association.