By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Long-time Henry County Educator and Local Minister Rev. Kenneth Humphreys was presented with the Marquis de Paris and Drum Major of Justice Awards at today’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day program held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Paris.
Today’s usual MLK Day activities were altered because of weather and road conditions, with the annual march and formal prayer breakfast cancelled. A shorter breakfast was held at Mt. Zion right before the program, with the ladies of the church preparing a hearty breakfast of eggs, grits, bacon, sausage, and biscuits.
Rev. Humphreys was presented with the Marquis de Paris award by former Paris Mayor Sam Tharpe. The Marquis de Paris is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the city of Paris. The Drum Major of Justice Award was presented by organizers of today’s program.
Before his retirement, Rev. Humphreys was the long-time Henry County High School chorus director and was instrumental in the formation of the High School Madrigals. He also has served as a Henry County Commissioner for many years. Rev. Humphreys is minister for Cedar Hill Missionary Church.
Special Musical Guest “Yo Sung Kim Christian Vocal Group” from Seoul, Korea performed at the program.
At today’s breakfast, members of the local UAW 9025 at Dana Corp. Tony Phifer, Wade Lorenz and Torey Sanders were in attendance to show support with Martin Luther King Day. Lorenz distributed a presentation which outlined the strong bond between labor and civil rights and specifically, the strong bond that was forged between former UAW President Walter Reuther and Dr. King.
Reuther joined Dr. King on many of his marches and was directly involved with the March on Washington in Washington D.C. in 1963 at which Dr. King gave his famous “I Have A Dream” speech.
Photos: Sam Tharpe, right, presents Dr. Humphreys with the Marquis de Paris; Rev. Andre Richardson presents Humphreys with the Drum Major for Justice award; Yo SUng Kim Christian Vocal Group performs. (Mike Wilson photos).