MLK Peace Walk and Celebration

CORNELIA – The Northeast Georgia Peace Council hosted the silver anniversary Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk and Celebration. Cornelia's downtown Big Red Apple served as the gathering point for today's parade commemorating King’s birthday and legacy.

Habersham County School Superintendent Robert Costley arrived early and greeted many of the other "Walkers". "This is a great sign of what Habersham County is all about. It's a great place to raise a family no matter who you are. It's one of the best keep secrets in Georgia," Costley volunteered.

When asked about his school system's decision to convene on the previously scheduled-off Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Costley responded, "When you have a 20-year snow storm and a 30-year economic storm, the community has been, for the most part, pretty understanding."

Costley continued, "We’re going to take advantage of the opportunity on Monday to make sure the 6800 (students) know more about the legacy of Dr. King and the reason we enjoy these freedoms today."

Another "Walk" participant of note was former Habersham Central football standout Tavarres King who now plays for the Georgia Bulldogs. "This is a great community thing…to be able to honor one of the greatest people on the earth. I'm honored to be a speaker, to be a part of it," King said.

With snow still covering portions of the train depot grounds, the earliest arriving group of marchers was the Dreamweavers, an adults-with-developmental-disabilities self-advocacy group operating out of Clarkesville.

Denise Eller, heading up the group, said that Dreamweavers had been together for ten years and tried to be involved in as many area events as possible, "trying to give back to their communities in any way they can," Eller commented. "Just like Dr.King tried to do," added one of the Dreamweavers standing nearby.

Shortly after 2PM the "Walkers" lined up and began their four-block march to Shady Grove Baptist Church where there was to be "a celebration of songs, speakers, and sustenance".