The United Ebony Society meets quarterly at the Gwinnett Historical Museum, 455 S. Perry Street in Lawrenceville. Anyone interested in joining is invited to visit the website, www.unitedebonysociety.org.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in Lawrenceville
The event kicks off at 10 a.m. from the courthouse, 185 Crogan St., and continues to Moore Middle School, 1221 Lawrenceville Highway. A free health fair and display of student artwork will be held at the school from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Information: www.unitedebonysociety.org.
When Marlene Taylor-Crawford arrived in Gwinnett County 14 years ago, there were still municipalities in the area that did not recognize the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
“That was still the case into the early 2000s, although it was a national holiday,” said Taylor-Crawford, a counselor at Britt Elementary in Snellville.
The Lawrenceville resident soon discovered a local group that was working to change that. Members of the nonprofit United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County came together in the mid-1980s with the goal of highlighting the growing area’s diversity. Getting recognition for the King holiday was one of its successful campaigns.
“They wanted to make sure that all groups were represented,” said Taylor-Crawford, who now leads the society. “We have African-Americans and Latinos who represent the diversity here, but the best thing about this group is that it is open to everyone. We want it to reflect Gwinnett County.”
Since its inception, the society has hosted political forums to educate the community about candidates for office; set up a scholarship program for high school seniors who are outstanding students and community service leaders; and organized Juneteenth celebrations that mark the end of slavery.
The group has also been the energy behind the county’s King day celebrations. On Monday, the society hosts its 14th annual parade that kicks off at the historic courthouse on the Lawrenceville square and ends at Moore Middle School, where artworks by area students will be on display.
This is also the first year that the celebration also features a free health fair at the middle school. Organizer Kimberly Goodloe of Lawrenceville suggested the idea as a way to promote healthier lifestyles. Highlights of the event include vendor displays, various free health screenings and information on fire prevention and safety.
Goodloe sees the free fair as a perfect tie-in to King’s mission and legacy.
“Dr. King not only fought for the African-American community; he fought for everyone,” she said. “We are honoring his legacy by offering free services to the public that will educate and empower families. That’s what I’m really excited about.”
Each Saturday, we shine a spotlight on a local neighborhood, city or community. To suggest a place for us to visit, e-mail H.M. Cauley at hm_cauley@yahoo.com or call 770- 744-3042.
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