Metro Ministers Hold 30th King Commemorative Service

NORFOLK
The Tidewater Metro Ministers Conference of Virginia held its 30th Annual Commemorative Service honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event is held on the King Holiday each year at the historic First Baptist Church, Bute Street.

This year’s speaker was Norfolk Mayor Kenneth Alexander, who was introduced by Dr. Theodore Little Jr., the group’s 51st President. The current President is Dr. Ervin M. Scott, New Rose of Sharon Elim Baptist Church in Chesapeake, who brought greetings on behalf of the Conference.

Musical selections were delivered by the First Baptist Mass Choir, and the Booker T. Washington High School Band. A Tribute To King was performed by Forte’s Brian Pinner and James Ford.
The 2018 Distinguished Community Service Award was given to Dr. Joe B. Fleming, Pastor Emeritus, Third Baptist Church in Portsmouth. It was presented by Dr. Melvin Blackwell, Little Zion Baptist Church, Smithfield, who served as the MLK Day Program Chair.

Others listed on the program were Karlena Diggs, Dr. Shelton Murphy, and Dr. Patricia Coker-Bell.