The Revitalizing Our Community organization held its 10th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration on Monday at Cecil Holman Park.  A nice crowd of almost 200 persons attended.  The theme for this year’s event was “Legacy.”

Introductory remarks were offered by Howard Payne University Athletic Director Hunter Sims, who also presented an “Essential Piece” award to Brownwood City Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Draco Miller “to recognize an Essential Piece in our community.”

ROC Board Member Sereta Spratt-Delgado then spoke.  “Legacy:  we learn from our past to leave a better future.  We all like our children to be proud of who they are, whatever race or color they are, whatever culture they come from.  We can be anything we want to be, as long as we believe and continue to grow.”

Spratt then introduced the keynote speaker, Draco Miller’s son, Draco Miller Jr.  The younger Miller grew up in Brownwood, was a football Brownwood Lion and graduated from Brownwood High School, then played college football at Eastern New Mexico University, where he earned Bachelor and Master degrees in Education.  He now lives in Katy Texas with his wife and children, where he is an educator and motivational speaker.

Miller spoke about the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and why that is still important today.  “As we think about this year’s theme of Legacy, we understand that Legacy and Martin Luther King go hand in hand…  As we look at Dr. King’s legacy, let’s go back and look at some of the things that Dr. King left.  A lifetime of dedication and serving people.  Not only serving people, but serving under privileged people.  He left a dream to be fulfilled.  Dr. King left a non-violent approach to gaining rights, and freedom for his fellow man.

“How do we go forward?  Who can have a legacy?  It’s real simple.  Anybody can have a legacy.  Anyone with an opportunity, anyone who takes that opportunity and produces that opportunity and passes it on.  Legacies are not just for the rich.  Legacies are not just for the elite.  Legacies are not just for the high profilers.  Legacies are for the ordinary, who want to take something and become extraordinary.  That’s what a Legacy is.”

Miller then challenged the audience to act.  “I want you to repeat after me:  I will lead.  I will educate.  I will grow.  I will advance.  I will commit.  I will decide.  That’s right.  Because a Legacy starts with you.”