Mary Potter
Monday, January 16, 2012 3:02 pm

A Hickman County student contributed the artwork for Moore's Chapel.

(Clinton, KY - Jan. 16, 2012) - A small group gathered at Moore’s Chapel AME Church in Clinton for a march in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Day. The combination of threatening weather, whipping winds and no school for several days before the Monday event contributed to the smaller than usual turnout.

Marchers were undaunted as they walked from the church to the Hickman County Courthouse singing hymns and carrying signs. At the courthouse, participants were called upon to pray and read scripture. Minister James Bolen led those braving the wind in a final prayer asking for help for elected officials and those in need.

The march was originally organized three years ago by Yvonne Bolen when she realized that local students had little knowledge of the civil rights movement. Bolen, an accomplished musician and local educator, put together a program using student work and words for the community.

Students contributed art work, like the portrait of Dr. King on display in the church, played the piano, and read passages for the program that followed the march.  It was, in Rev. James Bolen’s words, a “celebration of the day.”