by Cherese Parker-Freeman

FRANKLIN
In 1967, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s last book before his assassination was titled: “Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?” As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day this year, we are in the midst of chaos — a government shutdown, an erosion of constitutional protections of the law and heightened racial tensions. Therefore, it seems only fitting to discuss in a town hall meeting the state of Black America — where do we go from here? From chaos or community? What measures should we take to restore our sense of hope in what appears to be these helpless times?

Panelists have been invited to discuss the following topics: Anthony Hoskins on The Black Family; the Rev. Domenick Epps on Economics/Finance; Professor Ronald White on Education; retired judge Esther Wiggins on Crime/Criminal Justice; Dr. Alvin Harris, M.D., on Health/Healthcare; and Dr. William Marcus on Social Justice.

These speakers will address the problems/issues that African-Americans face on a daily basis, and provide recommendations for a plan of action for change that will redirect the future of our youth.

We invite you to attend this State of Black America Town Hall meeting, hosted by the Hope Focus Young Lions Mentoring program, the Lambda Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Franklin-Southampton Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

This event will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 21, at 1 p.m., in J.P. King Middle School, 501 Charles St., Franklin.

Please support our community service project by bringing a donation of your old or gently used shoes and old glasses.

If you need additional information, contact any of these organizers: Cherese Parker-Freeman at 556-1678; Jerrell King at 556-9278; or retired judge Alfreda Talton-Harris at 620-7155.