Story by Justin Hall, freelance correspondent

The Richmond Hill MLK Observance Committee held a Black Tie Gala at Richmond Hill's City Center this past Saturday.

This was the second Black Tie Gala that the committee has hosted since 2019. The event aims to raise money for scholarships in both Richmond Hill and Bryan County. 

The scholarships are given to seniors from either Richmond Hill High School or Bryan County High School that have high levels of achievement. An application is put out for the seniors to apply in the spring.

The event is also a prelude to the annual MLK Parade in January. 

Shirlonda Shepard, President of the Richmond Hill committee, says the event helps bring people closer together. 

"It signifies community as well as unity," Shepard said. "We're trying to get the momentum up for January's parade." 

Johnnie Quiller, committee member, is very passionate about what Dr. King's legacy means and hopes that by honoring his memory the committee can continue to keep his dream alive.

"We are trying to keep the vision alive," Quiller said.

One of the keynote speakers at the event was Mayor Russ Carpenter who greeted those in attendance. He was delighted by the turnout and he spoke about the impact that an event like this can have on their community.

"A lot of us heard they were too small, but we've proven that we're not," Mayor Carpenter said. 

Elisha Boyd also read on the occasion and LaLa Martin read a poem entitled "Glory" which was about Dr. King's dream of unity and peace. 

Special vendors and acknowledgements for the festivities included:

• Richmond Hill City Center 

• Khloe's Kreations

• Beyond the Cajun River, LLC 

• Spoken Word by LaLa

• Mr. Robert Ellington, Bartending 

• DJ Terry

• Debbie Cakes

• Bees Creative Media

• Johnnie Quiller