Local farmers and the SU AG Center distributed fresh produce on MLK Day in Kentwood, LA.

ACCFA and Southern University AG Center
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The  Angus Cattle Community Farmers, Inc., Southern University AG Center, Tri-Parish Vegetables Farmers, and Nurturing Our Roots for giving back to the community on MLK Day in Kentwood, Louisiana. Twenty bags, as well as warm hats and gloves, were donated. Tri-Parish Vegetable Growers donated fresh turnip greens from their garden. Thank you for all the contributions made by Irma T. Thompson, Town of Kentwood Mayor, and members of the Kentwood Town Council. Nicholas Muse, Assistant Area Agent, ANR at Agricultural Research and Extension Center provided the hats, gloves, and healthy lunch containers for everyone in attendance. 

Considering the rising cost of groceries across the country, everyone was grateful to receive these bags. This is what Dr. King won't the leaders and people to continue. Poverty and economic injustice still plaque Dr. King wanted leaders and people to continue serving the poor and the unserved. The issue of poverty and economic injustice persists. Dr. King's legacy lives on in the work of these organizations that fight for economic justice and marginalized rights. His dream of a nation where everyone has a fair chance to succeed is still relevant today.These items arrived just in time for the harsh winter weather expected to arrive in our area soon. 

The generosity of these organizations was a true act of kindness and will be remembered.  Dr. Antoinette Harrell,  a consultant for the non-profit organization said that we need to carry out the life works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The consultant for the non-profit organization, Dr. Antoinette Harrell, emphasized that the life works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. need to continue to be carried out in the present day. King stated in his eulogy that he did not wish to be remembered for all the degrees and awards he had received. It was meaningful to him to be remembered for feeding the hungry, clothing those in need, and visiting those in prison. "For decades, we have marched symbolically. Now is the time to act," said Harrell.

Craig Coleman, Founder of Tri-Parish Vegetable Farmer
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

The MLK Day event was organized by Mayor Irma T. Thompson, chaired by Councilwoman Jakoiya Wilkerson, the Kentwood Town Council, and Dr. Antoinette Harrell. The event included a day of service to those in need.  E. Don Wilson the events Keynote speaker delivered the eulogy for Dr. Kings and talked about community involvement and low voter turnout this year. The speaker spoke about how people during the civil rights era sacrificed their lives to exercise their right to vote. This year's theme: Shifting the Cultural Climate Through The Study of Practice of Kingian Nonviolence. Wilson explained why Dr. King advocated nonviolence. Because Dr. King understood that violence brings on more violence. 

The event concluded with the distribution of fresh produce, and winter items. The mayor presented awards to members of the community for their service and dedication to the community. The day was also marked by a ceremony honoring Dr. King and other civil rights leaders. Several local politicians, faith leaders, and members of the community attended the event.

Nicholas Muse
Assistant Area Agent, ANR at Southern University
Agricultural Research and Extension Center
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell