Air Force Capt. Tisha J. Yates, the guest speaker at Sunday afternoon’s Mathews King Day service, held up herself as an example of the progress that continues as a result of the movement led by slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“The movement wasn’t in vain,” Yates said. “I have a chance to make it in this world … I am living my ancestors’ wildest dreams and because of that I am proud.”
“2020—What’s Your Vision?” was the theme of this year’s program, sponsored by the Mathews chapter of the NAACP and held at Zion Baptist Church, Cardinal.
Delphia Ferguson was the program’s mistress of ceremonies and began the celebration by talking about King’s activism and the legacy he left behind. Minister Velvet Boyd led the congregation in prayer before Sheila Crowley came to the podium to welcome everyone in attendance. “He remains a vivid image in my mind,” Crowley said about Martin Luther King Jr.
There was a variety of talent present at the celebration. The New Hope Fellowship Mass Choir, Hartfield, sang many different musical selections. They led the congregation in the opening selection, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the closing selection, “We Shall Overcome,” as well as other pieces throughout the celebration.
Minister Kevin Blane of First Baptist Church, Morrison, Newport News, performed “Ministry Through Mime” before Trustee Terry Dixon and Deacon Leslie Willis led the congregation in the offering.
Minister Justin Yates of First Baptist Church, Morrison, introduced the guest speaker, his wife, who is a public affairs officer for Air Combat Command at Langley Air Force Base in Hampton. “I believe in her to the moon and back,” Yates said of his wife.
Capt. Yates described the progress that the country has made since King’s time. She talked about segregated classrooms, bathrooms, seating and “For Whites Only” signs.
“I have only seen those signs in museums,” said Yates. She also talked about how the military is always looking for ways to promote diversity.
Ferguson made her last remarks after Yates’ speech. “Everyone can be great because everybody can serve,” said Ferguson. “Jesus is love. God is love.” Raymond Willis, president of the Mathews chapter of the NAACP, thanked everyone for coming and told attendees that the organization is trying to increase its membership. Pastor Johnny A. Wallace of Zion Baptist Church ended the celebration with the benediction and blessing.