Bishop David Sabatino of Foundation of Faith Ministries attendees of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in Accomac on Monday, Jan. 20. Photo by Carol Vaughn.
By Carol Vaughn
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson speaks at the Accomack County Courthouse Green during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Photo by Carol Vaughn.
The largest crowd in several years joined in a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration Monday sponsored by the Accomack County Branch of the NAACP. The theme was “dream, believe, unite, and serve.”
Newly elected Accomack County Treasurer James A. Lilliston gave the message at the event, held at Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Accomac.
Lilliston recounted his own life story that led to his being elected treasurer, and encouraged listeners to “be yourself,” knowing that “God has a plan for each of us.”
The event was opened by Elder Ralph Harmon Jr., president of the Accomack County Branch NAACP, and presided over by Bishop David Sabatino, pastor of Foundation of Faith Ministries.
Marchers approach the Accomack County Courthouse in Accomac on Monday, Jan. 20, during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Photo by Carol Vaughn.
After the church service, attendees marched from the church to the courthouse green in downtown Accomac, where the Rev. Dr. Lisa Johnson gave a brief message.
Johnson spoke about “the power of one,” saying, “They say that one is the loneliest number. I say that one is a powerful number. Folks, your vote can make a difference. One voice — your voice — can make the difference. So be the one. Be the one who dreams; be the one who believes. Be the one that helps folks unite.”
Accomack County Supervisor Vanessa Johnson gives the opening prayer during the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Accomac on Monday, Jan. 20, 2020. Photo by Carol Vaughn.Bishop David Sabatino of Foundation of Faith Ministries greets speaker James Lilliston, the new Accomack County Treasurer, during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in Accomac on Monday, Jan. 20. Photo by Carol Vaughn.With Janice Wharton, of Melfa, leading the way, marchers approach the Accomack County Courthouse in Accomac, Monday, Jan. 20, , during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. Photo by Carol Vaughn.A dancer from the New Life Deliverance Ministries Praise Dance team performs during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celeration on Monday, Jan. 20, at Macedonia A.M.E. Church near Accomac. Photo by Carol Vaughn.
