The Jefferson Davis County Women in NAACP held its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast on Jan. 18, at the Prentiss Institute Rosenwald Building.

This event is held each year to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King through prayers and words of inspiration and encouragement.

Bettie Drummond, associate minister of Zion Community Church of God, prayed for the family and the school system. Rev. Ernest Miller, pastor of Holly Springs CME Church, prayed for the church, church leaders and the members. Rev. Roy Thompson, pastor of Spring Hill Baptist Church, prayed for the government, the nation and the entire world. The keynote speaker for the grand occasion was Minister Jerry Horton of Prentiss. He delivered a powerful message related to the theme, Mission Possible: “Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.” Musical selections were rendered by Mrs. Pauline Fairley and Minister Malcolm Adams.

A special tribute was given to Sis. Dorothy Middleton, who is a long-time member of the JDC NAACP Branch #5326. Sis. Middleton recently celebrated her 90th birthday and she was selected to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Rev. Jessie Holloway was presented with a plaque for his dedication and faithful support of the JDC NAACP.

The program included members of the Jefferson Davis County NAACP Youth Council. They served as ushers for the prayer breakfast. Miles Dampeer read a poem entitled, “Walking in the Footsteps of a King.”

“We are always glad to have our youth participate in activities and events sponsored by the adult branch,” said event coordinator Cammie Reese.

Closing remarks were given by Queen Sutton, local Women in NAACP Chairperson and Otho Barnes, President of the JDC NAACP. The prayer breakfast was well attended and supported by the community.