VALDOSTA — On Thursday, the community gathered for the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Program — an evening filled with reverence and remembrance under the theme “They Killed the Dreamer, Not the Dream.”

The event began with a musical selection of “Lift Every Voice” led by Alexia and Kayla Griffin. Dr. Beverley Richardson-Blake, chairperson and one of the event organizers, welcomed attendees and shared the significance of what the event stands for.

The program featured several musical performances, including a solo by Carrie Grace Jordan and a closing selection by Chris Holmes. Michaelah Ferguson delivered a moving poem for the audience.

The evening’s speaker, the Rev. Dr. Elsie C. Napier, founder of Teach Outreach Ministries, Inc., delivered a message about how Dr. King’s vision still resonates today. She spoke from the heart about the importance of faith and standing up for what is right.

“Dreams don’t die, my friends. Dreams only multiply,” she reminded the crowd. Her words reminded everyone that the fight for equality and justice is not just history but something to carry forward daily.

The program concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Samuel Clemons Sr. and Mrs. Patricia McRae, leaders of the Valdosta-Lowndes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee. As McRae concluded the ceremony, she left the audience with words of wisdom from Dr. King.

“The time is always right to do what is right,” said McRae. “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality.”