By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Patrick and April Perry were awarded the annual Drum Major of Justice Award Monday night at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day service held at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Paris.
The Perry’s have owned and operated Perry’s BBQ in downtown Paris for several years and in presenting the award, Brother Andre Richardson said, “I’m so proud of what God is doing in our community through them. They really have a ministry.”
Over the years, the Drum Major for Justice Award has been given to Rev. Kenneth Humphreys, former Paris Mayor Sam Tharpe, and the late Clarence Clark, long-time civic leader.
Both April and Patrick Perry said they were proud and honored by the award, but thanked God. Patrick said, “Henry County has been so good to us, but I give the honor to God first.”
Speakers at the service were Pastor John Dandridge of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Paris, Pastor Corey Cain from Maplewood Baptist of Paris and Pastor Thomas Taylor of Union Grove Baptist in Puryear.
There was plenty of music, with Roland Atkinson, Nellie Bass and Brother Richardson at piano and organ, with special music from Chuck Haney and Michael Gray. The Mt. ZIon youth choir performed, along with the Quinn Chapel and Union Grove choirs and the full congregation.
In his remarks, Rev. Cain said, “I love nights like this where people can come together because this is just what we need today.”
Rev. Dandridge remembered the life of Dr. King, noting that Dr. King “had a dream, but it wasn’t just a black dream or a white dream, but an American dream.”
Rev. Taylor said, “Healing is needed where unity is desired. Martin Luther King’s message was to all of us, not just the black race.”
All the speakers voiced the wish that everyone could carry the feelings of unity from the service with them at all times.
Dignitaries in the audience were recognized, including Sheriff Monte Belew, Judge Vicki Snyder, Paris Vice Mayor Jackie Jones, Henry County Director of Schools Dr. Brian Norton and County Commissioners James Travis and James Copeland.
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Holding hands at the end of the service.
Quinn Chapel Choir perform.
Mt. Zion Youth Choir members leave the stage after their performance.
Top photo: Brother Andre Richardson, right, congratulates Patrick and April Perry. Photos by Shannon McFarlin
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