We believe that the work of Dr. King is not something that is restricted to the past. There are people all around us who reflect the legacy of Dr. King in the work and service they give to others every day.

Each year, Morristown’s Task Force on Diversity solicits nominations from area residents  for three community awards. We want to help lift up those whose unselfish service shines as reminders that the ongoing work of bringing hope and justice into the world is our calling. The photos below showing 2016 winners were taken by Chuck Hale and published in the Citizen Tribune, January 19, 2016

Calvin Nicely receives the posthumously awarded 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Award for Advancing Cultural on Awareness on behalf of his brother, Sammie Nicely.

Calvin Nicely receives the posthumously awarded 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Award for Advancing Cultural on Awareness on behalf of his brother, Sammie Nicely.

Willie Santana, Esq, Assistant to the Knoxville area DA, receives the 2016 Dr. MArtin Luther King, Jr Award for Service and Advocacy.

Willie Santana, Esq, Assistant to the Knoxville area DA, receives the 2016 Dr. MArtin Luther King, Jr Award for Service and Advocacy.

 What is the Martin Luther King Day of Service?

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said,

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is:  “What are you doing for others?”

2013 Day Of Service

Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday in January to serve their neighbors and communities.

In October 2012, The City Council of Morristown, Tennessee and the Hamblen County Commission both declared January 21, 2013 to be a regional day of service.

Click here to read the proclamation from the mayor of the City of Morristown.

Click here to read the proclamation from the Hamblen County Mayor’s office.

Visit the national Martin Luther King Day of Service website for more information.

PLAN

You can make this year a year of hope and good will by finding a need in the community and by helping others address that need.

The day begins at 7:30 am with a community celebration breakfast.  Our vision is to follow this gathering with acts of service performed all over our area by civic groups, clubs, houses of worship and schools.  Groups are invited to determine their own service projects or contact one of the local human service agencies identified here.

You will find a 2014 Project Kit to help guide you in planning.

Download and print copies of the 2014 MLK Flyer and Poster.

SERVE

Find a project in your commmunity and register your own project so that volunteers can find it.

IMPACT

What are your plans for MLK Day?  Share your plans and share your project’s impact after MLK Day.

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Force Master Chief Mitchell receives a key to the city from Mayor Gary Chesney. Photo by Chuck Hale, published by the Citizen Tribune on January 18, 2016

Force Master Chief Mitchell receives a key to the city from Mayor Gary Chesney. Photo by Chuck Hale, published by the Citizen Tribune on January 18, 2016

Master Chief Mitchell’s address can be viewed here: website

This short video also includes the 2016 MLK Essay Winners reading their essays.

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The 2014 MLK Community Breakfast and Celebration was held at First Presbyterian Church on Monday, January 20, 2014.

The Keynote Speaker was the Rev. Wayne Purcell.

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell

Rev. Wayne and Andrea Purcell

The Rev. Wayne Purcell is well-known to the Morristown and Asheville, North Carolina communities, where he has served congregations, hospitals and communities as pastor, teacher, counselor and community builder. Since 1987, he has been pastor of Varick Chapel AME Zion Church in Asheville.

 He writes, “I have spent a lifetime of ministerial skills helping to improve society while reinforcing the work of the Lord.”

Rev. Purcell teaches, trains and supervises clergy, nurses, medical support staff, social workers and volunteers at facilities in Black Mountain and Asheville. He is a lecturer on the subject of diversity and empathy within ministry and is a guest columnist for the Asheville Citizen Times. Earlier this year, he was a keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King walk in Dandridge.

Rev. Purcell’s past includes serving as an Administrator within the Blue Ridge Conference of the Piedmont Episcopal District and overseeing two half-way houses for men and women in transition. He has been a resource to his community offering educational programming, workshops and consultation to promote small businesses in Western North Carolina. He is a leader in interfaith, civic, and educational events.

However, Rev. Purcell is not only found in directive capacities. He is a “hands on” counselor to individuals and their families, in both church and hospital settings. All of his skills are present and available to someone who needs a hand up. He conducts regular visitations to homes, hospitals and prisons to provide comfort and support, especially for seniors and elderly.

Rev. Purcell received his Master of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC. His business degree in Administration and Marketing Management is from North Carolina Central University. He is married to Andrea who is herself, a leader in church and community. We welcome them both to this event.

 

 

 

 

To help you plan a project for the 2014 King Day of Service, we have prepared a Project Development Kit.  Click on this link to download and print it out.

2014 Project Kit

After your planning, please register your project with us on this website by choosing “Register Your Project” on the above menu, then filling in the online form.

Thanks for your participation in MLK Day.