Hundreds filed into the Georgia Tech Center of Performing Arts on Monday, January 17, 2011, for the 18th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Service Summit – Freedom Rally. This Freedom Rally was sponsored by Hands On Atlanta, along with other sponsors, such as Delta Air Lines, WSB-TV Channel 2 and Publix.
From the musical dance numbers by Balethnic Dance Company to the presentation of Service Awards and a moving and impactful video of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., prepared by Delta Air Lines’ Vice President of Community Relations Scarlet Pressley-Brown, the program left its attendees in a jubilant, giving spirit of service and commitment to help others, on this day in particular.
Patrick Corvington, CEO, Corporation for National and Community Service, reminded the audience of Dr. King’s call for “everyone to be great because everyone can serve.” Anchorwoman Jovita Moore, WSB-TV 2 facilitated a “Legacy Conversation” with Jason Carter, grandson of President Jimmy Carter and now Senator; Brooke Jackson Edmond, daughter of Mayor Maynard Jackson, and Andrea Young, daughter of Ambassador Andrew Young and author. They spoke on their legacy parents and how they now work to provide service, which was commonplace in all their families.
President/CEO Cora O’Kelley and Vice President/COO Cheryl Powe were in attendance and volunteered GDI’s call to service by taking to the streets after the program to help feed the hungry. Purchasing bags of freshly made deli sandwiches and all the condiments, they delivered lunch, including dessert to the Mission near Courtland Street in Downtown Atlanta.
GDI’s commitment to community service in 2011 will grow exponentially as the entire team understands and espouses the “Call To Be Great Because We Can All Serve.”
