Preparations for this year’s MLK Day observance in Gainesville are well underway, highlighted by an honor for the woman who was the catalyst for it years before the civil rights leader’s birthday was officially recognized as a local holiday.
A street in the Newtown section of Gainesville is being named in honor of Faye Bush – Willie Faye Bush Street.
Other highlights of the days leading up to the annual King Day March in Gainesville January 20 include the “I Have a Dream Speech” at 9:30 that morning at Antioch Baptist Church, performed this year by Roger Buffington. Also, appearances by youth performers, the Silver Steppers from First Baptist Church, and Brenau University Dancers. The keynote speaker this year is Rev. Rose Johnston Mackey of Antioch Baptist Church and Executive Director of the Newtown Florist Club.
This year’s theme is “Where Do We Go from Here? Moving Forward into the Future.”
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Newtown Florist Club, which was established in 1950. It’s mission: “to promote youth development and organize for social, economic, and environmental justice in Gainesville-Hall County, Georgia.”