Treutlen Residents Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Treutlen County residents gathered in the local Resource for Life Community Outreach Christian Center on Jan. 19 for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration, held by the Concerned Citizens of Treutlen County and Unique Community Women Club.

The program, presided over by Pastor Elijah Toney, was held in honor of civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., whose efforts led to the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. King was assassinated on Apr. 4, 1968, and the third Monday of January was designated a federal holiday in 1986 in his honor.

 The program’s main speaker was Dr. Antonia S. Ingram-Basby, an adjunct instructor from both Oglethorpe University and Gwinnett Technical College who specializes in research related to Black women’s studies, theological and cultural anthropology, sociocultural transformations, ecclesiology, sanctification, apologetics and cultural engagement, the spiritual life in Pauline literature and leadership. 

Ingram-Basby’s speech followed the program’s theme of “Still Fighting For The Dream,” in reference to King’s famous speech on Aug. 28, 1963, in which he called for civil rights for Black Americans. She argued the struggle for civil rights was still ongoing, and King’s ideals would require action to maintain and advance.

“We each have to commit to fighting for the dream,” said Ingram-Basby. “We each need to take his blueprint and nonviolently – nonviolently – protest the injustices that we see. We need to protect the rights of all and not just a few.”

Ingram-Basby drew parallels between the perspectives of King, when he wrote the “Letter from Birmingham Jail” on Apr. 16, 1963 following his arrest six days earlier, and Paul the Apostle, when he wrote his letter to the Philippians between AD 60 and 62 during his own imprisonment. According to Ingram-Basby, the two wrote their letters to encourage and reinforce their respective followers in the face of adversity.

“Two different time periods, two different letters, but the commonality is the message,” said Ingram-Basby. “The commonality is that both of them had a dream.”

During her speech, she criticized American politicians and political practices which disadvantage minorities, such as voter suppression and discrimination in hiring, education and judicial practices. Ingram-Basby encouraged attendees to engage in nonviolent action together in following with King’s teachings.

“This is why the dream is not just something we are still fighting for, but why it is worth fighting for,” she said.

The Concerned Citizens of Treutlen County and Unique Community Women Club also announced the recipients of their various resident of the year awards, including Rachael Mills as 2026 woman of the year, Johnnie B. Johnson as 2026 man of the year and Takyla Wadley as 2026 youth of the year.

Concerned Citizens President Izell Stephens Jr. also offered two awards, one to Deacon Elton Lee Carter and one to the family of Deacon Arther L. Love, both of whom he described as “instrumental” to his service as president.

Concerned Citizens Vice President offered Stephens. an award commemorating his service as president of the organization, as he had decided to step down from the position. Soperton Mayor John Koon also presented him with a joint resolution with the City of Soperton expressing “heartfelt gratitude” for his service, as Stephens. had also served on the city council for 12 years.

“There comes a time where you have to rest,” said Stephens. “Your body will let you know, and it’s God letting you know.”

The program saw three musical performances by the Treutlen County Community Choir, with the third song dedicated to Stephens.