The Fayette

County NAACP, Fayette County school board and Peachtree City joined with

local and state elected officials to honor the birthday of the Rev. Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Saturday.

Sen. Donzella

James served as the mistress of ceremonies, introducing the numerous speakers

and entertainment. The U.S. Naval Academy gospel choir shared its talents

with the crowd prior to an engagement at the re-opening of the Ebenezer

Church in Atlanta. The Holly Grove AME church choir stepped in to entertain

during the latter portion of the birthday commemoration program.

The third annual

Fayette County celebration took place at the Starr's Mill High School

auditorium. A variety of speakers shared their thoughts regarding King's

legacy. Speakers included Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, County Commission Chairman

Greg Dunn, Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown, East Fayette Elementary School

Principal Dr. Faith Hardnette, and members of the Fayette County NAACP,

Jaynelle Denson, John Jones, Frank Oakley and the Rev. Edward Johnson.

Johnson, president

of the Fayette County NAACP, is the founder of the local celebration.

State Rep.

Tyrone Brooks was the featured guest speaker. Brooks, a well-known human

rights activist, spoke regarding his involvement with King prior to his

death in 1968, sharing stories regarding Hosea Williams, Ralph Abernathy

and various occurrences. He noted that "violence took our leader

away from us," and said his choice for the theme for Georgia's celebration

of King's birthday this year was to "stop the violence and save our

children."

He called for

parents to stop teaching violence at home and for an end to violence,

saying, "An eye for an eye will leave us all blind and injured."

Brooks is chief

executive officer of the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials.

NAACP President

Johnson presented the Peachtree City Police color guard with a plaque

of appreciation for the group's participation for the third year. John

DeCotis, Fayette County school superintendent, also was honored for his

continuing support of the event.

State Rep.

Kathy Cox and Fayetteville Police Chief Johnny Roberts also attended the

event.