BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON
Several hundred people were reminded to not give up on the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream and to continue fighting for equality during the Chowan County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.
The celebration was held Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Warren Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Members of Edenton Town Council, Edenton-Chowan Public Schools Board of Education and Chowan County Board of Commissioners were among those in the packed sanctuary.
Apostle Vonner Ford of New Life Ministries delivered the keynote address, which revisited her impactful 2017 speech themed, “I Will Not Be Satisfied.” Revisiting that topic, Ford declared, “I am still not satisfied. What I spoke of then still applies. … We are not finished yet until King’s vision is seen all the way through.”
Ford highlighted how progress toward King’s dream of racial equality has, in some ways, regressed during the past eight years. Reflecting on King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, she invoked his call to pull America out of the quicksand of racial injustice, stressing, “America has not kept its promise to us.”
Ford’s message was clear: Complacency is not an option.
“We can’t leave the country in a fragmented state,” she said. “King’s dream is a reflection of God’s promise of justice and peace.”
She emphasized that achieving unity and closing the racial divide requires action at every level of government, starting with the community. To effect change, Ford called on citizens to teach King’s message to children and share his legacy with others.
Ford also addressed the contentious political climate, referencing the inauguration of President Donald Trump’s second term, which coincided with MLK Day. While expressing doubt about the election’s legitimacy, she encouraged the audience not to be dismayed.
“King would not lose hope,” Ford assured. “God will make sure his dream becomes reality.”
She noted that the community must fight for the ideals King espoused. “Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. … We must lift the nation to the solid rocks of brotherhood.”
Pastor Rudy Ford, also with New Life Ministries, introduced his wife with pride, highlighting her lifelong dedication to her faith and service. From her beginnings as a six-year-old Sunday School teacher to her groundbreaking role as one of the first female pastors in the Missionary Baptist Church, Vonner Ford’s commitment to God has been unwavering. Her contributions include founding ministries like Broken Pieces and Pathway to Independence, which support women near the poverty line, as well as serving on the Elizabeth City State University Board of Trustees and visiting the White House to pray with the Obamas.
The Rev. Michael Foreman, pastor of Warren Grove Missionary Baptist Church, welcomed attendees with an uplifting message, encouraging them to embrace their freedom and celebrate God’s work through King.
Committee member Susan T. Brothers creatively likened King’s life to a road to success, where various car parts symbolized his values that all should embody and Jesus served as the driver.
Angela Taylor, co-chair of the celebration’s organizing committee, reminded the audience that the holiday is not only a celebration of King’s legacy but also an opportunity for service, noting, “Service is the hallmark of a good life. King lived a life of service to humanity with a spirit of unconditional love.”
The celebration also featured performances by the musical group F.R.E.E.D.O.M. and musicians Garry Outlaw and Kiam Outlaw, adding a soulful energy to the event. The John A. Holmes High School JROTC Color Guard presented the Colors and led the Pledge of Alliance.
Pastor Jonthan Downing of Shalom International Church presided over the ceremony, which included recognition of past scholarship winners and an offering to support scholarships and event expenses.
The Chowan County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Committee, led by Chair Angela Taylor and Co-chair Mildred Vanterpool, alongside members Susan T. Brothers, Carlene Carter, Glorious Elliott, Janet Hines, and Superintendent Jerald I. Perry Sr., organized the event.
For more photos of the event, visit our photo gallery by clicking here.