GREEN COVE SPRINGS — The city of Green Cove Springs ushered in Martin Luther King Jr. Day with more than just a celebration, but a weekend of community service work.

In collaboration with the Palmetto Community Development Corporation (PCDC) and the Friends of Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center, the city came together to honor the civil rights leader.

The holiday began with a Free Food for the Soul drive-thru food pantry on Saturday, Jan. 17, at Vera Francis Hall Park. Contributors and supporters from Challenge Enterprises, the Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs, L.A.S. Marketplace Ministries and more helped to supply 94 families in need of groceries.

Volunteers with the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and Men of God Standing in the Gap for Our Community and Youth group helped to distribute the bags. The Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority, Inc., a community service-based organization, was also in attendance.

"It does make a difference the things that we do," said Former Green Cove Mayor and PCDC Honorary Chair Connie Butler.

On Monday, Jan. 19, the ceremony began at 11 a.m. Baring the chilly, sunny weather a crowd of community members returned to the park.

Local elected officials and dignitaries who joined the program included: Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, Green Cove Springs Police Chief Shawn Hines, County Manager Howard Wanamaker, Board of County Commissioners Chair Kristen Burke, District 3 Commissioner Jim Renninger, Green Cove Mayor Matt Johnson, Vice-Mayor Ed Gaw, and council members Cheri Starnes, Darren Stutts and Glee Glisson.

"It's a day set aside to remember, again, the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. So, thank you for taking the time to be here today. Thank you for everyone who is attending," Johnson told the crowd.

Scout Troop 577 presented the colors, while Green Cove Springs' newest 4-H group, Legacy Springs, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Hickory Grove Baptist Church Children of Light Choir, directed by Joyce Guthrie, also performed two songs.

King James Norton, who traveled from Georgia to be at the ceremony, gave a special reading as the junior keynote speaker. Norton has participated in the annual celebration for years.

During his speech, Norton spoke of reaching for success, changing the world and being a role model for others at his young age.

"The truth is, ordinary people can change the world with love," he said. "Dr. King said we must meet the forcedness of hate with the power of love."

"We should come together to make this world a better place."

The keynote speaker of the day was Thomas Huggins III, who is the current president and CEO of Ariel Business Group. Huggins grew up in Green Cove and graduated from Clay High in 1977.

Huggins spoke on the city's history and the well-known community faces, such as his coaches Ron Riddle and Thomas Hogans, that made an impact on his life.

"I challenge you today: let's continue to build up our Green Cove Springs. Let's continue to build the community from where it was to now," Huggins said. "And you're on a great start with all of the individuals that you have today that's out here celebrating. Each of you today is an essential element of the building of the community."

Following Huggins' address, Butler read an official Martin Luther King Jr. Day proclamation from the city, while Burke read a proclamation from the county. 

Attendees then enjoyed lunch from Bright Light Catering.