ATLANTA (August 29, 2013) – Senator Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur), Chairman of the Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Council, recently joined State and local leaders on the top of Stone Mountain today to mark the anniversary of the historic March on Washington, and to Let Freedom Ring from Stone Mountain, as mentioned in Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech 50 years ago yesterday.
“It was an honor to take part in such a special celebration of Dr. King’s legacy and I would like to thank everyone who came out and participated in this momentous occasion,” said Sen. Jones. “Today is a new day for Stone Mountain – it now stands for freedom from hate, bigotry and intolerance.”
The MLK Jr. Advisory Council and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, led by Commissioner Gretchen Corbin, worked with the King Center, the DeKalb County Commission, the City of Stone Mountain and Stone Mountain Park to host the commemorative event on behalf of the State of Georgia. Speakers emphasized the progress made in Georgia since that pivotal event, and pledged to continue the efforts to ensure all Georgia citizens have equal opportunity to participate fully in creating the Georgia of the next 50 years.
Commissioner Gretchen Corbin noted, “We can see many changes in our own state from where we stand today. We have come so far in so many ways and are still making progress to realize Dr. King’s dream for the future of generations to come. This is a process that never ends.”
Karyn Greer of 11Alive News, mistress of ceremonies, led the celebrants in concluding the event with the ringing of bells in honor of Dr. King’s famous words, “…let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia…”
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
August 29, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Adam Sweat, Communications Specialist
Adam.Sweat@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028