FLORENCE, SC (WBTW) – A Florence church commemorated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 50 years after the reverend was assassinated.
Members of Monumental Baptist Church rang a bell 39 times at 6:04 p.m. on Wednesday.
“50 years ago at approximately 6:04 p.m., shots were fired at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Minister Buquilla Ervin-Cannon. “He was a bridge-builder, a peace-maker, a lover of all mankind.”
Ervin-Cannon created the event on Wednesday, and said it’s important to remember Dr. King’s legacy.
“His dream was so real to him that he was willing to give up anything, his life, for the benefit of others,” she said.
Members of the community took turns ringing a bell in honor of each year of Dr. King’s life.
Ervin-Cannon said Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech, gave her a dream of her own.
“My dream is that, as far as, all the issues that he [Dr. King] marched for, that he worked so hard for, those are still prevalent in today’s society,” she said.
City of Florence Mayor, Stephen Wukela, signed a proclamation in Mar. that declared Apr. 4 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the city.
Pastor of Monumental Baptist Church, Columbus B. Black, said Dr. King left behind an important message of equality.
“Hid did not think selfishly of himself, and he worked for all mankind of every color,” he said. “We must follow through with what Dr. King taught us.”
Ervin-Cannon said is a civil rights activist, and said Dr. King has made an impact on her daily life.
“He always said ‘only love can drive out hate, there is a lot of that going on in our community today. I would say to everyone try love instead of hate.”
