At St. Joseph AME Church in Durham, a special Sunday service focused on social justice, a cause the church has long championed.
"My hope is that we continue to set that moral compass. And the people who make up the church that they continue to cry loud and spare and that they continue to stand for the weak and the vulnerable," said Dr. Abdue Knox, St. Joseph AME Senior Pastor.
Serving as the keynote speaker, Honorable Justice Anita Earls has spent her career ensuring that citizens are treated equitably. Since 2019, she has served on the North Carolina Supreme Court and previously led the Southern Coalition of Social Justice in Durham.
"Each individual has the power in a democracy, to make a difference. My hope is that we return to a democracy in North Carolina." she said.
"The state of our union is a mess. I believe that King would be his heart would be hurt, that he would be discouraged about the state of our nation today. We are divided politically and racially," said Dr. Knox.
King's legacy is important now more than ever.
"God has blessed me with a ministry that's concerned with all people and equal access to all things for all people," added Dr. Knox.
"His vision was one of brotherhood for everyone in this country, of justice for everyone in this country. And his message of love while at the same time strong focus and determined ability to try to change what is keeping people oppressed in this country," said Justice Earls.
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