2000 Man Worship Service: "Brothers, I Stand With You"

Young and older men gathered to support the "2000 Men Worship Service." When he read about the "2000 Man Worship Service" taking place in his hometown of Savannah on Monday, October 27, 2008, Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, senior pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s former church, said he would be remissed if he didn't take part in some way. In a correspondence, he assured the men of Savannah of his advocacy by saying, "Brothers, I stand with you on this monumental gathering. Together, we must empower purpose driven men to repair the breach."

Even though the 2,000 capacity was not met, the 800 plus crowd who evolved inand out of the Greater Emmanuel Tabernacle Church doors on Stiles Avenue was impressive. Local appointed SCLC president, Carl W. Gilliard, observed "all of these key players at one time and in one place is incredible." Another attendee commented "for once the men out numbered the ladies in church." Fathers brought their sons, coaches their teams and wives sent their husbands to represent their household.

My Dreams Production, Inc, founded by gospel singer and radio icon Lester Lec'k White, sponsored the service. "The objective is to raise awareness of real manhood," White told the crowd. "Tonight, young people, you'll get to see and hear from men of substance. Men worthy to walk in their footsteps." The adults represented themselves as "role models" to the younger men.

Local historian, attorney and actor Jamal Toure', who emceed the event, told the audience that their are a lot of dysfunctional families out there, but when we all come together like this, as one, no way we can be dysfunctional." Throughout the two and a half hour program the men shared their success stories as the youth listened attentively. The young men were presented with an "open mic" to dialogue with their elders and got the opportunity to network and dine with them at the end of the service.

In addition to White, Gilliard and Toure', the who's who guests list included H. Lee Perry, president of l00 Black Men of Savannah, Mayor Floyd Adams, Jr., Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis, Major James Barnwell, Superior Court Chief Judge Perry Brannen, Jr., Rep. Bob Bryant, Dr. J.W. Jamerson, II, radio's E. Larry McDuffie, Attorney Lester Johnson, III, AASU's president Dr. Thomas Jones, Troy Anthony Davis' family, NAACP's Dr. Prince Jackson, Jr., activist' Freddie Patrick, Chef Joe Randell, City Leisure Service's Mr. Barry Baker, film producer Terry Benedict and radio pioneer Jimmy "The Gator" Lang, just to name a few.

Among the coaches and their football teams were Antwain Turner & Bethesda, Matt Smith & Bible Baptist, Tyrone Willis & Savannah Stars, Ed Jinks & Silver Cheetahs, Cleve Jones & Notre Dame Academy, Keith Ellison & St. Paul's Academy and representatives for Chris Hatcher & Georgia Southern, Robby Wells & Savannah State and Donald Chumley & Savannah Christian. Also, Construction Apprentice, Father/Son Initiative, Mr. Black Teen, ILA, Big Brother-Big Sister, My Brothz Home and the Sons of Thunder were amongst the "Best & Brightest" organizations. Judges John E. Morse, Jr. and Leroy Burke, III and commissioner James Holmes also expressed their support. Bishop Edward Coleman led the men in prayer.