Taylor calls audience to serve at VGCC’s Martin Luther King celebration

Vance-Granville Community College held its annual celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Jan. 21 in the college’s Civic Center.

 

The theme of the event was “How can we educate, inspire, and support our community?” based on the mission statement of the college: “Vance-Granville Community College educates, inspires, and supports a diverse community of learners to achieve professional and personal success.”

 

Serving as keynote speaker was Archie Taylor Jr. of Henderson, a retired U.S. Army colonel and current chair of the Vance County Board of Commissioners. He has also served as an adjunct instructor at VGCC.

 

Taylor gave a brief biographical sketch of Dr. King, who would have been 86 years old on Jan. 15. “Dr. King died young, at age 39, but he made lasting contributions during a life well-lived,” Taylor said. “We know what King did, but what are you doing? Ask yourself: what am I doing to educate, inspire and support my community?” The answer, Taylor said, is to volunteer to serve.

 

“Turn the spotlight away from yourself and focus on the needs of others,” Taylor advised. “We need volunteers to serve on county boards and commissions, to serve with youth organizations and in many other areas. We need citizens to step up, young and old.” He said it is possible for everyone to be of service. He recalled the story of Oseola McCarty, a washerwoman in Mississippi who lived modestly, saved her money and left 60 percent of her estate — estimated at $150,000 — to the University of Southern Mississippi to provide scholarships for deserving students in need of financial assistance. McCarty, Taylor said, was “an example of service above self.” The speaker recalled a quote from Dr. King: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'”

 

The VGCC event had a service component itself, as attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which were then donated to the Henderson-based charitable organization, Area Christians Together in Service (ACTS).

 

Welcoming and closing remarks for the program were offered by VGCC Academic & Career Coach Anthony Pope. VGCC Public Services department chair Steven Hargrove gave the invocation.

 

The Kerr-Vance Academy show choir, under the direction of Anora Rainey, performed two songs related to the African-American experience and the civil rights movement: “Follow the Drinking Gourd” and “Free at Last.”

 

Above:  Archie Taylor delivers remarks during the VGCC Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday program. (VGCC photo)

 

 

 

Above:  The show choir from Kerr-Vance Academy performs during the VGCC Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday program. (VGCC photo)

 

WATCH video of the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration here .