The third Monday of January serves to nationally recognize the life and the societal impact of civil rights icon, Martin Luther King Jr. In Christian County the Hopkinsville NAACP and Cedar Grove Baptist Church hosted an MLK Day service on Sunday which focused on King’s work and the steps that need to be made today to fulfill his mission.
Princeton Street Baptist Church Pastor, Cedric Cheatham was the keynote speaker and shed light on the spiritually of King’s work. Cheatham said King did not make steps toward equality out of political intent but because it was a spiritual and moral issue.
Cheatham recognized that across the country there are many memorials for King whether it be a monument or a school or street named in his honor. Cheatham said that King did not pursue equality for the sake of personal glory, but to leave a continuing legacy of civil rights.
Further highlighting the intersection of faith and King’s work, Cheatham preached that those who believe in God should be proponents of justice and equality for all.
After reflecting on the spirituality of King’s work, Cheatham said there is still progress to make in regards to civil rights. Cheatham names the school to prison pipeline as a matter that disproportionately affects people of color.
As there is still progress that needs to be made today, Cheatham said King’s dream has yet to come true.
The full service is available on the Cedar Grove Baptist Church of Hopkinsville Facebook page.