The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church will host its annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Winston-Salem this year.
Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 South Green St., will host the gathering on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. – noon. A lunch will follow and special musical guests will perform before the service. The multicultural congregation at Green Street is known for its actively-engaged ministries that serve the poor and welcome the marginalized.
The keynote speaker for this event will be Monique Johnson, who has been called small in stature but large in spirit. Only two-feet tall because of an extreme form of dwarfism and scoliosis, Johnson has not let her physical challenges limit her dreams. A talented painter, she graduated with honors from N.C. A & T State University before entering Elon School of Law, where she earned her law degree last spring. As a young adult overcoming challenges, Johnson will share an inspirational message on the theme of the day, “Following the Drumbeat of Justice.”
The celebration will begin at 9:30 a.m. with music by Green Street’s jazz group, Sabbath Indigo, the a capella group Whosoever and The Enrichment Center Percussion Ensemble. The formal service will begin at 10 a.m., with special music, inspirational testimonies, Drumbeat for Justice Awards and lots of drumming.
The Healing Force will also play during the worship service and will lead the gathering in a Harambee after the luncheon. All are welcome and encouraged to come. Those eating lunch will be asked to help with the cost by making a $5 donation.
Monique Johnson holds her Elon Law School degree.
