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In commemoration of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday, the citizens of Sevier County will honor Dr. King’s life with an “I have a dream Commemoration,” a county-wide event to be held on Monday, January 16, 2006.
“A function of this type is long overdue in this county,” said Chairman for the MLK Celebration organization, Joseph McMahan.
The event will begin at 10:30 a.m. with an opening prayer led by Elder Zack Flack, the pastor for the Boyds Creek Church of God.
Then, at 11 a.m., a procession will lead from the Sevierville Community Center on Gary Wade Blvd., proceeding down Bruce Street and ending at the Sevier County Courthouse Plaza.
The commemorative program will take place on the front lawn of the courthouse at 11:30 a.m. Latonya Miller, accompanied by Wilks Chandler on the trumpet, will then sing the National Anthem followed by some opening remarks and VIP recognition by McMahan.
“We’ve extended the invitation to Governor Bredesen,” said McMahan, “and we’re hoping for some TV coverage for the event.”
“I went to Mayor Waters in the spring this year, and he expressed the full support of the county,” said McMahan. The Sevier County Mayor is scheduled to speak at the event, as well.
The program will feature guest speakers Alvarrene Bridgeforth, Loida Velasquez and United States National Park Service representative LaTonya Miller, who is a native Sevier County resident. Reverend Carl Bragg will provide the keynote address.
The combined choirs of the First Baptist Church and the Boyds Creek Church of God will entertain the crowd in song, followed by an interpretive dance performance by the Boyds Creek church Miriam Dancers.
Poetic readings from Sevier County High School students will also be a part of the day’s festivities.
The program is scheduled to conclude at 2 p.m. and is free to the public.
For more information on the event and scheduled activities, please contact Joseph McMahan at (865) 453-4997 or (865) 382-3818, or by email at jmcmah239@yahoo.com.

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