As president Barack Obama was sworn-in for a second term in the nation’s capital, young male students in Marengo County were awarded scholarships to attend college. The festivities fittingly took place on the day set aside to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

The seventh annual scholarship program in honor of Dr. King took place Monday at the Christian Chapel Baptist Church Life Center.

“We started the scholarship program because we wanted to have a positive program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his day,” Annie Robertson, founder and general chair of the King Unity Scholarship said.

Robertson also acknowledged her late friend, Geneva Howard, who had the suggestion to use the program as a way to honor male students.

The scholarship committee awarded three $500 scholarships and one additional $200 prize to a student, who submitted their essay on or before the “early bird date.”

Marquis Washington of Sweet Water High School received the early bird award and one of the $500 scholarships. Jason LeDarius Kemp-Kirksey of Linden High School and Kentravon Grayson of Marengo High School received the other two $500 scholarships.

There were 12 male applicants and Robertson said it is the scholarship committees’ hopes that with continued fundraising the other applicants will be able to receive book scholarships.

Those students who applied submitted an essay. In addition to applying, students will continue to update the Scholarship Team Leader William Martin when they enroll in college.

Since the inception of the idea seven years ago, the scholarship program has already seen college graduates, who have benefitted from their fundraising.

Several participants made up Monday’s program including historical reflections from Gus Weiss, III, a solo by A.J. Nixon and a mime presentation by the St. Paul Mimes.

Door prizes were also given out to those young people answering questions related to black history.

Tales of the Freedom Riders and Emmitt Till filled the room, as Weiss told stories of those pivotal moments in history.

“We can never forget what has happened prior to us having the freedoms and liberties we have today,” he said.

Three young men, a part of St. Paul’s Mime group, performed to the selection, “I Won’t Complain.” The Mimes painted their faces white and moved robotically to interpret the words in the song.

The celebration and observance of Dr. King’s contribution to society continued with a program at Rockbabylon Baptist Church in Dixons Mills.

The guest speaker for the occasion was the Rev. Fred Moore, pastor of Christian Chapel Baptist Church in Demopolis.

Donations and volunteers are requested from the scholarship team. Donations can be mailed to King Unity Scholarship ℅ Annie Robertson 60 Aspen Street Gallion, AL 36742. For those interested in joining the scholarship team, please contact Robertson by email at robertsonannie@yahoo.com.