The Selma Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted its 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast on January 19, 2024, at the Selma Convention Center, attracting over 300 attendees and support from 36 corporate sponsors. Under the theme “Three Decades, One Dream: Strengthening Our Community,” the event honored the legacy of Dr. King while calling for collective action to address ongoing social issues.
Dr. Patricia Kendrick Robinson, President of the Selma Links, led the event alongside Unity Breakfast Chair Dr. Willietta Ellis Conner and Corporate Sponsor Chair Mrs. Pinkie Platt. The keynote speaker, District Court Judge Vernetta Perkins Walker, made history as the first woman to hold her position in Dallas County. Walker’s address emphasized themes of justice and community engagement, stating, “Justice is what love looks like in public.”
She elaborated on her message, stating, “Love is disciplined, organized and courageous. It shows up and it stays.” Walker structured her speech around four key pillars: remember, strengthen, recommit, and move forward. She urged attendees to draw inspiration from Selma’s rich history while facing current challenges. “We begin by remembering—not because we are sentimental, but because memory is the map for our mission,” she said.
Walker highlighted the chapter’s three-decade tradition of service, recognizing past presidents and their contributions. She pointed out impactful initiatives led by Robinson, such as health screenings, voter participation drives, STEM programs, and scholarships aimed at empowering local youth. In the past year alone, the chapter has completed over 45 educational projects and facilitated more than 32 acts of kindness.
As Walker posed a challenge to the audience, she stated, “Every generation is summoned to the witness stand of history. And today, the question is simple: What will your testimony be?” She called for bold recommitment to action, urging attendees not to admire passively but to engage actively.
A notable highlight of the breakfast was the recognition of Lemarkus Snow, honored as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year for his extensive contributions to the community. His dedication serves as a model of the unity and progress celebrated throughout the event.
The Selma Links also awarded 20 scholarships to students from surrounding areas, including Dallas, Perry, Wilcox, Chilton, Autauga, and Marengo counties. These scholarships are part of the chapter’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth and fostering educational opportunities.
The breakfast also focused on the chapter’s involvement in the Black K.A.R.E. program, a national initiative funded by Vantive Corporation aimed at tackling chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Black Americans. For four consecutive years, the Selma Chapter has participated in this program, one of only 60 chapters nationwide selected to engage this year.
Dr. Andreia White, Physician Advocate for Black K.A.R.E., addressed the audience about the initiative’s goals. She emphasized the importance of early detection, stating, “Chronic kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why routine checkups and early screenings are so important.” White highlighted that raising awareness about CKD is essential in preventing complications and improving the quality of life in affected communities.
The program aims to empower communities through training facilitators, hosting workshops, and providing free health screenings, nutritional assistance for dialysis patients, and promoting home dialysis options. Black K.A.R.E. represents a cornerstone of the chapter’s dedication to health equity, addressing systemic injustices in healthcare as called for by Dr. King.
The success of the Unity Breakfast was made possible through the generous support of 36 corporate sponsors, which included a diverse range of businesses, organizations, and civic leaders. Among the notable sponsors were International Paper, the Law Offices of Jeffery C. Robinson, and Congresswoman Terri Sewell, reflecting strong community backing for the event.
As Judge Walker concluded her speech, she left the audience with a resonant call to action: “Three decades, one dream. And by the grace of God—we will not let it die in our hands.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of unity and determination that defined the Unity Breakfast, aiming to inspire ongoing commitment to social justice and equity in Selma and beyond.
