Jim Fair
Allen Smith, President and CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, is congratulated on his keynote address at today's Dr. Martin Luthern King, Jr. Day luncheon at Greer City Events Hall.
Jim Fair
Singers from New Vision Church entertained the capacity crowd with spiritual and uplifting songs.
Jim Fair
Greer Mayor Rick Danner thanked the audience for its attendance and helping the city figure out the capacity for the City Hall Events Center. No space remained for seating.
Jim Fair
Left to right: Sharon Durrah, Dorothy Talley, Allen Smith and Linda Bivings pose for a group photo after the 11th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Luncheon. City Councilman Wayne Griffin (home page photo) organized the event.
“He said he didn’t feel he was worthy,” said Griffin, Greer City Councilman and organizer of the 11 MLK celebrations. Smith told the crowd as much. “Who would think a red-haired, white person could stand before you and talk about the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”
The answer was delivered by a standing ovation from the packed audience at the Greer City Events Hall. “This room was charged,” Griffin said. “You could feel it from the start.”
A celebratory program with enthusiastic music (Sammy Dotson and his accompanists from New Vision Church), inspirational dance (Mia Cohen) and Reginald Griffin’s dramatic interpretation of King’s poignant “I Have a Dream” speech set the stage for Smith’s address.
Steve Owens, City Communication Director, produced a video of King’s historic highlights and a collage of quotes and photos continued rolling throughout the event.
Smith, the President and CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, has embraced diversity in the past two year’s agenda. The 2013 Executive Board’s makeup is diverse with minority and female representation. John Mansure, President of Greer Memorial Hospital (MLK Day Celebration presenting sponsor), and the the 2012 Chamber Board Chairman, and Smith have been the steering mechanism drawing the community together.
“What I said today is the truth,” Smith said. “I have challenged our staff in asking, are we fulfilling our potential as employees and organization? There is a strong desire and strong appetite in this community to work together.” Smith posed the same question today asking the audience if "we are prepared to reach our God-given potential?"
Smith used the Letters of Paul and MLK’s letters (initials) to spirit a partnership in society that embraces all humanity. “Where ever you have universal love for all kinds of religion and races you will have a great community. I believe that is what makes Greer great,” Smith said.
Smith sprinkled anecdotes that had those in attendance laughing, agreeing and offering “Amens” and “Bring it on” during his talk.
“This was a unique opportunity and to say I am honored is overusing that term. “Greer continues to show we are a welcoming community,” Smith said.
Smith was congratulated by many who waited in line afterwards to talk and shake his hand.
Griffin presented Samaritan Awards to:
• Johnny Jackson, responds to community and businesses’ needs.
• Barbara Henderson, organizes a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Father’s Day and works with the city’s senior citizens.
• Maria Dowell, retired school teacher.
Peggy's Diner catered the eveng and the Parks & Recreation Department served lunch.