Hawes receives citizenship award at MLK observance

Dr. Alcye Hawes was presented with the "Outstanding Citizenship Award" at the annual Lincoln County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance held Sunday, January 14, in the LCHS Auditorium. Dr. Hawes is pictured here with Rev. Frederick Favors, the guest speaker for the occasion.

Approximately 200 people attended the annual Lincoln County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance held Sunday, January 14, in the LCHS Auditorium.

The guest speaker for the occasion was Rev. Frederick Favors, pastor of Springfield Baptist Church in Thomson.

At the outset of his remarks, Rev. Favors cited the Book of Genesis, which contains the story of Joseph and his brothers.

"Joseph's brothers were envious of him of him and plotted to kill him because he had a gift given to him by God," said the speaker. "You should expect folks to be jealous of you if you're doing well, using your gifts. You're either going to be on the side of righteousness or evil."

Referring to how Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery and then lied to their father about what happened, Rev. Favors said, "Joseph could have been bitter, but he wasn't. Folks can put you in the pit, but if you stay faithful, God can move you."

He explained that sometimes God turn things around and brings good out of bad situations. "Speaking to his brothers in Genesis 50:20, Joseph said, 'As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good...'

"Dr. King was able to understand the love illustrated by Joseph as well as his methods of peace," Rev. Favors continued. "He was a monumental force for social change in America."

In other comments, the speaker focused on issues such as poverty, living in a global society, the "trash on TV," parental involvement in their children's lives, and the importance of education. "It's much easier to carry a pencil behind your ear than a log on your back," he stated.

In conclusion, Rev. Favors spoke of keeping Dr. King's dream of nonviolent participation alive while "sticking together, locking arms, and holding each other up."

The guest speaker was introduced to those present by Rev. Willie J. White, pastor of Newberry Missionary Baptist Church.

Bringing greetings to the audience were Walker Norman, chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners; Lincolnton City Councilman Henry Brown; and Dr. Randall Edmunds, superintendent of Lincoln County Schools.

Another highlight of the program was the presentation of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance Committee's "Outstanding Citizenship Award." This year's recipient was Dr. Alcye Hawes, former county commissioner from District 1.

Dr. Hawes was recognized for her life-long commitment to service through her profession as a dentist and her volunteer work in the community.

The honoree is a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

The birthday observance featured special music by pianist Peyson Moss, a student at LCHS; vocalist Ashley Rivera, also a student at LCHS; and the LCMS/LCHS Red Devil Pride Band, under the direction of Jasper Dukes.

The audience participated in the celebration by singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and "We Shall Overcome," accompanied by Moss.

Others taking part in the birthday observance were Marlena Mason and Danielle Wynn, both students at LCHS, who led those present in a litany commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King. The litany was titled "Let My People Go."

Moreover, various readings were recited by Avis Carter, Jamaul Hawes- Bogel, and Ricardo Smith.

In addition, Rev. Dan Rosser, pastor of Lincolnton Baptist Church, gave the invocation, and Rev. Larry Fryer, pastor of Mulberry C.M.E. Church, delivered the benediction.

Bruce Beggs, Lincoln County Superior Court clerk, presided over the program, and Bethany Beggs served as the videographer.

The birthday observance was sponsored by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, the City of Lincolnton, the Lincoln County Chapter of the NAACP, and the Twilight Improvement Association, Inc.