“We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools.” –– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

On Jan. 9, the Pearl River Health and Home Committee will sponsor a program remembering the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
John Robinson, who hoped the celebration would bring the community together, organized the program three years ago.
His daughter, Jacqueline Robinson, assists with the program as needed, and said her dad also established the Pearl River Health and Home Committee around the same time.
“It’s an organization that helps people with their utilities, housing or some type of need,” Jacqueline Robinson said. “Committee members use their personal money to provide assistance to people in Pearl River County.”
The group has eight members, including John Robinson, Charles Collins, Donald Monday, Jimmy Buckley, Major Smith, Nathan Dyar, Danny Travis and Leon Richardson.
Those in need may contact a member of the committee and fill out an application for assistance, she said. For more information about the committee, contact Buckley at 601-365-9394.
The MLK program will be held at the First Baptist Church of Poplarville, located at 203 South Main St. at 6 p.m.
The celebration’s lineup includes guest speakers and gospel musical acts, Jacqueline Robinson said. Speakers for the occasion include Rev. Lonnie O’Quinn, Rev. Jimmy Richardson of New Provident Baptist Church/President NAACP Pearl River County branch, Rev. Allen Hickman of Resurrection Life Worship Center, Rev. Larry Head of Oak Hill Baptist Church and Deacon Anthony Hales Sr. of Triumph Baptist Church. The evening’s master of ceremonies will be Apostle Jimmy Peters of Peters Memorial Ministries.
There will also be a fellowship at the end of the program in the kitchen where refreshments will be served, Jacqueline Robinson said.
“Each speaker will give a presentation about the accomplishments of Martin Luther King Jr.,” she said. “It’s a really good program and my dad wants it to continue to grow.”
Last year, about 100 people attended the program, Jacqueline Robinson said. Event planners also hope the celebration will garner more involvement from other churches and community members.
“It’s very important to teach our children about Martin Luther King Jr.,” Jacqueline Robinson said. “Some are not familiar with what he stood for and what he accomplished. That’s what we’re trying to instill. Dr. King contributed to the model of treating everyone equally regardless of his or her skin color. With his opposition of violence and hate, Dr. King utilized peaceful demonstrations in order to prove the concept that action without violence can be effective and successful. We would also like to thank First Baptist Church, who have been so gracious to allow us to host this event at their church.”