The subsequent yr, the one White individual within the all-Black college was a instructor, Jones mentioned. Ralph Bunche Excessive Faculty by no means had a White pupil attend the college earlier than it closed in 1974 as Black college students have been regularly assimilated into Camden County Excessive Faculty, Jones mentioned.

Whereas there’s nonetheless work to do, issues are a lot totally different these days.

Jones mentioned he was happy with the big turnout for Monday’s celebration of King in Kingsland, regardless of the chilly climate.

The gang gathered a Lions Park in Kingsland and marched a few mile to the practice depot in downtown Kingsland, the place many of the festivities have been held.

“That is the biggest turnout ever,” Jones mentioned. “I’m inspired.”

The occasion was known as a “day of unity” the place Black and White residents acknowledged the affect King had on the nation throughout a tumultuous time within the Sixties when he was among the many most influential voices urging civil rights.

“We’re right here to proceed the legacy of Dr. King,” mentioned Timothy Bessent Sr., president of the Camden County NAACP.

Maybe the spotlight of the occasion was a recitation of King’s well-known “I Have a Dream” speech, which drew an enthusiastic standing ovation by the point he completed.