Barnesville Lamar County King Celebration Program 2026
My Beloved Community
“Mission Possible II: Building Community, Unity A Nation the Nonviolent Way”
The Mission is Possible, and I am proud that from the World’s Greatest City, Barnesville, Georgia, our community unites each year to commemorate the Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday. Our Weekend Celebration is an example to the world of a community uniting to reflect, rejoice and recommit to honor the enduring legacy of Dr. King. Our Weekend Celebration is our response to the clarion call to build the Beloved Community where injustice ends, violence is replaced by compassion, and love becomes the prevailing force.
On March 25, 1965, in Montgomery, Alabama, at the conclusion of the Selma to Montgomery marches, Dr. King, in his “Our God is Marching On” speech, told the people “the battle is in our hands. And we can answer with creative nonviolence the call to higher ground to which the new directions of our struggle summons us. The road ahead is not altogether a smooth one. There are no broad highways that lead us easily and inevitably to quick solutions. But we must keep going.” These words guide us 2026 in our quest to build community, unity a nation the nonviolent way.
As we build community, the Word of God strengthens us. We are grateful for the pastors and ministers who preach and teach us to remain, steadfast unmovable, always abiding in the work of the Lord.
As we build community, the service in our community supports us. We appreciate the work of sororities and fraternities and organizations who provide service and scholarship.
As we build community, the success of our youth and young adults shines in and beyond Barnesville. The Martin Luther King Celebration was founded as a time to celebrate the King Holiday and to give the Youth, our local students, an opportunity to express themselves and to become involved in our community. They became our Youth Ambassadors. Years, later, we are blessed by the legacy of Youth Ambassadors, past and present. Former Youth Ambassadors are true Dream Keepers as they now use their gift, talent, and education as successful young adults throughout the world from Barnesville, Georgia. Current Youth Ambassadors are leaders in our local school and community. We are Barnesville Proud.
We are thankful for the many years Pastor James C. Marable and the Bethel Baptist Church have served as our host church. Thanks for your consistent love and support. We are indeed blessed to welcome the Reverend Ronnie Brinson as our guest speaker for this year’s King Celebration. Thank you for coming to Barnesville, Georgia. We also extend our appreciation to Reverend Ruchardo Belcher and Joyful Tabernacle of Praise for being our musical guests, and special thank you to all pastors, ministers, elected officials, musicians, and program participants.
In the spirit of building community, we are grateful for the support of the King Celebration.
Christopher Hightower, King Weekend Founder/Coordinator
our dream keepers
Our Pastors and Churches
Antioch Baptist Church
The Reverend Keith Battle, Pastor
Barnesville Parish, Green Mount and Unionville United Methodist Churches
The Reverend Wilma J. Hastings, Pastor
Bethel Baptist Church
The Reverend James C. Marable, Pastor
Calvary Baptist Church Barnesville
The Reverend Terrence Curtis, Pastor
Christ Anointed Church
Elder Robert Reynolds, Pastor
East Mount Sinai Baptist Church
The Reverend Jimmy Lyons, Pastor
Fresh Manna Ministries, Inc
Apostle Dr. Oliver Leaks, Founder and Pastor
Grace to Glory Ministries
The Reverend Mia C. McGee, Pastor
Greater Springhill Baptist Church
Mount Olive Outreach Ministries
Bishop Donoval Miller
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
The Reverend David Blalock, Pastor
Mount Sinai Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Reverend Dr. VaRonda Brown, Pastor
New Provident Outreach Ministries
The Reverend Freeman Fuller, Jr., Pastor
Sand Hill Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Reverend Cecil Hutchins, Pastor
Sardis Baptist Church
The Reverend Delvrick L. Blackmon, Pastor
Shabach Tabernacle of Deliverance
Apostle Steven V. Williams
Shiloh Baptist Church
The Reverend Charles W. Dumas, Sr., Pastor
Towaliga County Line Baptist Church
The Reverend Dr. Eddie F. Collier, Pastor
Whites Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Dr. Delores Thomas, Pastor
our dream keepers Youth Ambassadors
Jordan Anderson
Karmen Barkley
Daylin Caslin
Ryszae Echols
Raegan Fulton
Madisyn Hardaway
Makaiya Howard
Briana Jackson
our dream keepers Youth Ambassadors
Janiya Banks
Kenyae Barnes
Joi Fuller
Joshua Fuller
Jayden Hillman
Ashlyn Smith
2026 ambassador
Kaden Carter
(Committed to Colorado State University and began college January 2026)
Darnell Kelley
(Committed to Colorado State University and began college January 2026)
Raegan Fulton
Madisyn Hardaway
Makaiya Howard
Aiyanna Stroud
the 2026 dream keepers
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Xi Beta Omega Chapter
The absence of a Greek letter organization in the city of Griffin, Georgia, and no chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha in the surrounding counties, was the inspiration for a meeting held on June 7, 1980, on the initiative of Cheryl R. Walker, of nine women in the home of Soror Angernette L. Walker. The excited sorors met to discuss the possibilities of chartering a graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha in the Griffin area. Those women were Portia Hodo Mann, Sandra Denise Martin, Joyce Holston McClendon, Edna Miller, Gail Reid, Emmette Touchstone Lyons, Angernette Lawrence Walker, Cheryl R. Walker, and Wanda Head Young.
Remembering their vows of service to all mankind and nurturing the desire to meet the needs of the community, these women saw a need for a chapter, so they formed an interest group to work for an alumnae chapter in the Griffin area. After contacting the Regional and National offices to get the information needed to start a chapter, these sorors elected officers and notified sorors in the surrounding areas. The officers of the interest group consisted of the following:
• President – Cheryl R. Walker
• Vice President– Georgie Matchett
• Secretary – Joyce Holston McClendon
• Asst. Secretary – Edna Miller
• Treasurer – Emmette Touchstone Lyons
• Parliamentarian – Fannie Delaney
• Chaplain – Sandra Denise Martin
Several projects were implemented during the organizational period. Some of the activities included projects at the Spalding Convalescent Center and a Founders’ Day Celebration. The members continued to plan for chartering and implemented additional service projects. On December 13, 1981, the Xi Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. was chartered with Deloris Hamm Oliver, South Atlantic Regional Director, officiating at the Mount Zion Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia.
The 18 chartering members of Xi Beta Omega were Anne McGhee Baugh (Mitchell), Sue Wright Davis*, Teresa Bolds Davis (Willis), Fannie K. Delaney, Sharon M. Dewberry (Outlaw), Geraldine Dukes*, Portia Hodo (Mann)*, Shelia Hollingshed, Joyce Holston McClendon, Sandra Denise Martin, Georgie McCrary Matchett*, Edna Miller*, Marricia Mitchell*, Rose P. Singleton, Vera Fuller Spencer, Emmette Touchstone (Lyons), Angernette L. Walker*, and Cheryl R. Walker.
Xi Beta Omega remains dedicated to addressing the needs of our communities through six impactful initiatives:
• Strengthen Our Sisterhood – Foundation Initiative
• Empower Our Families Initiative
• Build Our Economic Wealth Initiative
• Enhance Our Environment Initiative
• Advocate for Social Justice Initiative Uplift Our Local Community Initiative
The chapter proudly serves Pike, Lamar, Upson, Spalding, and Henry County. We remain dedicated to uplifting and empowering families through meaningful programs and community investment.
Each year, Xi Beta Omega provides more than $25,000 in scholarships to deserving high school and college students. Xi Beta Omega also offers a youth leadership initiative that recruits male and female students, ages 11 through 13, helping them strengthen leadership skills, build confidence, and develop a commitment to service.
Our chapter is led by our current president, Dr. Andrea Scandrett.
the 2026 dream keepers
The Griffin Area Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The Griffin Area Alumnae Chapter (GAAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was chartered on May 26, 1985, by a dedicated group of visionary women committed to public service and community uplift. Since its inception, the chapter has served the Griffin and surrounding areas with excellence, leadership, and purpose, upholding the sorority’s enduring legacy of sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action.
Guided by the mission of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Griffin Area Alumnae Chapter develops and implements impactful programs aligned with the organization’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, Physical and Mental Health, Political Awareness and Involvement, and International Awareness and Involvement. Through these initiatives, the chapter addresses critical community needs while empowering individuals and families to achieve sustainable success.
The chapter has a strong history of educational support and youth empowerment, including providing scholarships to students in Lamar County and equipping students and families with critical college access information through its College 101 program. GAAC remains committed to increasing college readiness, academic achievement, and access to higher education for underserved students.
In support of physical and mental health, the chapter provided vaccination opportunities for community members, helping to promote preventative care and overall wellness. Additionally, the chapter actively engages the community in voter education initiatives, reinforcing the importance of civic responsibility, informed decision-making, and political participation.
For nearly four decades, the Griffin Area Alumnae Chapter has remained steadfast in its commitment to service, advocacy, and community collaboration. Through strategic partnerships, intentional programming, and unwavering dedication, GAAC continues to enhance the quality of life for those it serves while exemplifying Delta’s mission of service to all mankind.
the 2026 dream keepers
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on February 11, 2011, in Forsyth, Georgia. As we proudly celebrate 15 years of dedicated service, our chapter continues to exemplify the founding principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated—Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood—through consistent, impactful, and community-centered programming. Our work reflects the vision of our Founders while addressing the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter serves the communities of Monroe, Lamar, Butts, and Upson Counties through comprehensive initiatives focused on education, health equity, civic engagement, youth development, and social and economic justice. Our service efforts are guided by both national initiatives and the expressed needs of our local communities.
Education and youth development remain central to our mission. The chapter awards annual scholarships to deserving students within our service counties and supports teachers and schools through the distribution of school supplies and educational resources. In addition, we sponsor youth auxiliaries for girls ages 4–18, providing opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and hands-on community service. Our youth actively volunteer alongside chapter members, fostering early civic responsibility and a lifelong commitment to service.
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter is deeply committed to health advocacy through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s Zetas Have Heart Initiative, which focuses on promoting heart health, self-care, and healthy lifestyles. This initiative places special emphasis on addressing heart disease—the leading cause of death among women—particularly within African American communities. Through health education, fitness challenges, community awareness activities, and sponsoring blood drives, the chapter works to encourage prevention, wellness, and healthier living. The chapter also supports maternal and infant health through its continued partnership with the March of Dimes.
Civic engagement and social justice are integral to our work. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Lamar County NAACP, Psi Rho Zeta Chapter conducts voter education and voter registration drives in schools, colleges, churches, and community spaces. These efforts align with our national Power of S.H.E. initiative—Social Justice, Health Justice, and Economic Justice—and are designed to ensure communities are informed, empowered, and engaged in the democratic process. Our commitment to service extends to uplifting and supporting vulnerable populations. Psi Rho Zeta Chapter honors senior citizens through service projects and fellowship activities at senior centers, recognizes veterans for their service and sacrifice, and provides Thanksgiving meals to families in need across our service areas. The chapter also collects and packages essential items for local domestic violence shelters, offering care and support to individuals and families during times of crisis.
When community needs arise, Psi Rho Zeta Chapter responds. Whether through community clean-up efforts, advocacy, resource distribution, or collaborative partnerships, our members remain visible, engaged, and committed to meaningful service. Our impact is strengthened through sustained collaboration with community organizations, leaders, and volunteers who share our commitment to progress and empowerment.
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter’s longevity, breadth of service, and measurable community impact reflect the highest standards of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. It is both our joy and responsibility to serve, uplift, and advocate for the communities entrusted to us while continuing to build a legacy of service, leadership, and Finer Womanhood.
Today, as we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that history is not only made on national stages, but also in small towns—through the courage, persistence, and quiet leadership of individuals who answered the call for justice right where they stood.
One such individual is Mr. Avant Minter—a pioneer, a servant leader, and a cornerstone of African American progress in Barnesville and Lamar County, Georgia.
In 1974, Mr. Minter founded the Lamar County Chapter of the NAACP, bringing structure, advocacy, and organized leadership to a community in desperate need of equitable opportunity. At a time when barriers to employment and recognition were deeply entrenched, Mr. Minter stood firm in the belief that African Americans deserved not only equal rights—but fair access to opportunity.
Mr. Minter served as President of the Barnesville NAACP for over two decades, until 1995, leading with determination, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to progress. Alongside fellow trailblazers—the late Marshall Lawrence, Grady Fallings, Clara Davis; Roberta Jones, and his daughter Barbara Minter—he helped open doors that had long been closed.
Because of their collective efforts, African Americans were hired for the first time in Barnesville’s banks, drug stores, grocery stores, department stores, the Lamar County Courthouse, and other key institutions. These were not symbolic victories—they were life-changing moments that altered the economic and social fabric of the community for generations to come.
Mr. Minter’s dedication did not go unnoticed. In 1984, he was honored for ten years of service as NAACP President. He received the Outstanding Community Award from the District NAACP, the Outstanding Leadership Award at the Black Excellence Banquet, and in 2003, he was presented with the prestigious Pioneer Award—a fitting recognition for a man who truly went before others to prepare the way.
Yet beyond awards and titles, the late Avant Minter personified commitment. He exemplified what it meant to stand for fairness, to demand recognition, and to uplift African Americans in Barnesville with dignity and resolve. His work mirrored the words of Dr. King, who said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
Mr. Minter answered that question through action.
Today, we honor not only his and Dr. King’s memory, but their impact. Mr. Minter’s legacy lives on not only through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; but he and Dr. King’s legacy lives on and burns bright in every opportunity gained, every barrier broken, and every life touched by his courage. This is a moment in African American history—from a Barnesville perspective—and a reminder that change begins when ordinary people choose to do extraordinary work.
May we continue the work he and Dr. King started. May we walk in their footsteps. And may we never forget the shoulders upon which we stand.
barnesville - lamar county Martin Luther Celebration
the 2026 dream keepers men of empowerment
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated was chartered on February 11, 2011, in Forsyth, Georgia. As we proudly celebrate 15 years of dedicated service, our chapter continues to exemplify the founding principles of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated—Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood—through consistent, impactful, and community-centered programming. Our work reflects the vision of our Founders while addressing the evolving needs of the communities we serve.
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter serves the communities of Monroe, Lamar, Butts, and Upson Counties through comprehensive initiatives focused on education, health equity, civic engagement, youth development, and social and economic justice. Our service efforts are guided by both national initiatives and the expressed needs of our local communities.
Education and youth development remain central to our mission. The chapter awards annual scholarships to deserving students within our service counties and supports teachers and schools through the distribution of school supplies and educational resources. In addition, we sponsor youth auxiliaries for girls ages 4–18, providing opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, and hands-on community service. Our youth actively volunteer alongside chapter members, fostering early civic responsibility and a lifelong commitment to service.
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter is deeply committed to health advocacy through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated’s Zetas Have Heart Initiative, which focuses on promoting heart health, self-care, and healthy lifestyles. This initiative places special emphasis on addressing heart disease—the leading cause of death among women—particularly within African American communities. Through health education, fitness challenges, community awareness activities, and sponsoring blood drives, the chapter works to encourage prevention, wellness, and healthier living. The chapter also supports maternal and infant health through its continued partnership with the March of Dimes.
Civic engagement and social justice are integral to our work. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Lamar County NAACP, Psi Rho Zeta Chapter conducts voter education and voter registration drives in schools, colleges, churches, and community spaces. These efforts align with our national Power of S.H.E. initiative—Social Justice, Health Justice, and Economic Justice—and are designed to ensure communities are informed, empowered, and engaged in the democratic process. Our commitment to service extends to uplifting and supporting vulnerable populations. Psi Rho Zeta Chapter honors senior citizens through service projects and fellowship activities at senior centers, recognizes veterans for their service and sacrifice, and provides Thanksgiving meals to families in need across our service areas. The chapter also collects and packages essential items for local domestic violence shelters, offering care and support to individuals and families during times of crisis.
When community needs arise, Psi Rho Zeta Chapter responds. Whether through community clean-up efforts, advocacy, resource distribution, or collaborative partnerships, our members remain visible, engaged, and committed to meaningful service. Our impact is strengthened through sustained collaboration with community organizations, leaders, and volunteers who share our commitment to progress and empowerment.
Psi Rho Zeta Chapter’s longevity, breadth of service, and measurable community impact reflect the highest standards of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. It is both our joy and responsibility to serve, uplift, and advocate for the communities entrusted to us while continuing to build a legacy of service, leadership, and Finer Womanhood.
barnesville - lamar county Martin Luther Celebration
litany of commemoration
Leader:
Our Lord God has wisely chosen men and women to serve Him in each era. Such a servant of our Lord God was Martin Luther King, Jr., whose birthday we now commemorate. We are thankful for the life of this 20th Century prophet of freedom, who joined the prophets of history in the cry:
Congregation: In the Name of Freedom, Let My People Go.
Leader:
Martin Luther King, Jr., envisioned the ultimate freedom; the freedom achieved in struggle; the freedom reached in brotherhood; the freedom fired by the dream of a man; the freedom inspired by the lot of a people; the freedom free of hate; the freedom free of love.
Congregation: In the Name of Love, Let My People Go.
Leader:
He came into our lives when the yearning of people to be free had turned their attention to justice. He reminded us that the human spirit soars from the depths of despair with the strength and belief in the promise of the Creator of the universe. We know and testify. The Lord loves justice; He will not forsake his people.
Congregation: In the Name of Justice, Let My People Go.
Leader:
The leader sang with the people, “Ain’t gonna study war no more.” When violence was met, he spurned it and said: “Hate is too great a burden to bear.” When death was confronted, he could say in final triumph that in life he had found something worth dying for, something worth life itself, the Promised Land, a land of freedom and justice.
Congregation: In the Name of Peace, Let My People Go.
Leader:
So, we are thankful that the Spirit of the Lord anointed a man who preached good news to the poor, who rejected segregation and embraced liberation, who prophesied the greatness of his people in struggle for the deliverance of all people.
Congregation: In the Name of the Spirit of the Lord, Let My People Go.
Leader:
We praise the Lord God for sending us a man of peace who resisted tyranny, a man of nonviolence who fought for liberty, a man of God who worked for people. Thank You Lord, for Martin Luther King, Jr., who inspired us with his dream, who walked into our lives and our hearts with his marches of justice, who demanded freedom with great courage in the face of grave danger, who has now passed on into Your Promised Land.
All: In the Name of Martin Luther King, Jr. Let My People Go
The Ecumenical Service
Sunday, february 15, 2026
6:00pm
Musical Prelude
The Call to Celebration and Commemoration
Mayor Pro Tem Christopher Hightower, Founder/Coordinator
Old Testament Scripture
Chris Ponder
New Testament Scripture Brandon Byrd
Prayer
National Black Anthem
Welcome/Purpose
Minister Adarian Fambro
Janiya Banks
Introduction of Litany/Ambassadors Aiyanna Stroud
Litany of Commemoration
Youth Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Musical Selection
2026 Dream Keepers Youth Ambassadors
Madisyn Hardaway, President Lamar County High School Class of 2026
Joi Fuller, Joshua Fuller, and the Fuller Family
Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting A Nation the Nonviolent Way
Mayor Kelly Hughes City of Barnesville
Dr. Jarrod B. Fletcher
Lamar County Board of Commissioners
Shakerria Hudson
Chapter President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Gordon State College
Mahki Stephens
Chapter President, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Gordon State College
Musical Selections
The Ecumenical Service
Sunday, february 15, 2026
6:00pm
Pastor Ruchardo Belcher
Joyful Tabernacle of Praise
Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting A Nation the Nonviolent Way
The Challenge Minister Robert Taylor Mount Olive Outreach Ministries
Pastoral Greetings
The Offering
Host Pastor James C. Marable, Bethel Baptist Church
Introduction of Speaker
Musical Selections
Pastor James C. Marable
Willie Smith, Assistant Minister of Music Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, Decatur, Georgia
The Message Reverend Keynon Jackson, Pastor Mount Zion Baptist Church, Griffin, Georgia
Invitation to Christian Discipleship
Community Prayer/Benediction
Pastor James C. Marable
Pastor Mia C. McGee Grace to Glory Ministries
The Black National anthem
“lift every voice and sing”
Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might
Led us into the light,
Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand.
True to our God, True to our native land.
Welcome
Prayer
Song
Litany
Remarks
Remarks
the national holiday program
Sponsored by the Lamar County NAACP
Monday, January 19, 2026
9:30AM
The March The Courthouse Ceremony
Mayor Kelly Hughes
Chief Belinda Penamon
President Gloria Fallings
Probate Judge Kathryn B. Martin
President Gloria Fallings
Song
Prayer
11:30 am The Program
Whites Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Dr. Delores Thomas, Pastor
Daylin Caslin and Gloria Fallings, President | Master of Ceremony/Mistress of Ceremony
Lift Every Voice and Sing
Led by Pastor Waylon Knight, West Mount Sinai Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Wilma Hastings, Barnesville Parish
Welcome Reverend Dr. Delores Thomas
Song Vernecia Jordan
Who Am I
Offering
Introduction of Speaker
Kein Agaba, Kelaini Agaba, Carsyn Mallory, Nilah Evans, Riley Evans
Barbara Minter, Freddie Merritt
First Lady Breanna Collier-Sidney
Song Minister Adarian Fambro
Speaker Pastor Dee Sidney, Greater Bethel Community Church Jackson, Georgia
Remarks
Elaine Buckner, 1st Vice President Ulanda Barkley, 2nd Vice President
reverend keynon jackson
Mount zion Baptist Church griffin, Georgia
Pastor Keynon Jackson, Pastor Key as he is affectionately known, is the youngest child and only son born to Deacons Kevin and Veronica Jackson. He is the grandson of Reverend Albert J. Holman, who for thirty-three years was the undershepherd of the Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Church in Schenectady, NY.
In 2009, he was licensed by the Union Baptist Church, in Harlem, NYC under the leadership of Reverend Antonio Darnell Anderson. Pastor Key has made preaching a priority as often as he has been asked. In addition to preaching, he has led Family Bible study for youth and adults at Union Baptist Church and has been a resource leader for youth/ young adult and men’s conferences. He was also the Minister of Evangelism which he started and led for three years, which promoted followers of Christ to share the love of Jesus on the streets of Harlem, New York City.
Pastor Key has served under the spiritual direction of Pastor Rodney and Reverend
Jacqueline Lyde of Baptist Temple Church in Pittsburgh, PA. He served the youth and young adult ministry, and then became the Associate Minister of Preaching, preaching multiple times a month at the Baptist Temple Church.
After returning back to New York City, he served as an Associate Minister at Union Baptist Church in Harlem, NY, under the pastoral leadership of his mentor, Reverend Brian D. Scott. Under his guidance and leadership, his ministry abilities were refined and his effectiveness as a leader was cultivated. The Union Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Scott ordained Pastor Key in March of 2019.
In 2006, Pastor Key earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree from Herkimer County Community College (Herkimer, NY). In 2014, Pastor Key received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Geneva College (Beaver Falls, PA). In 2020, he obtained a Master of Arts in Ministry degree from the Drew Theological School at Drew University (Madison, NJ). He is currently a doctoral candidate as a Pointer-Brown-Goodman fellow at United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH).
In 2024, Reverend Keynon Jackson was appointed as the seventeenth Senior Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia. He is also a proud and active member of The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He has been blessed with many gifts, yet none of his gifts brings him more pleasure than teaching and preaching the Word of God to edify the body of Christ.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
reverend dee sidney
Greater Bethel Community Church Jackson, Georgia
Born to the parentage of Mr. Tony and Mrs. Waskina Sidney, “Dee”, as he is affectionately known, is the youngest of four boys; born in Griffin Ga, however, raised in Forsyth Ga. He attended the public schools of Monroe County and was a member of the 2010 graduating class of Mary Persons High School. While he was very active in many student organizations such as Student Government Association, he was President of the Future Business Leaders of America, and a graduate of Youth Leadership of Monroe County 2010.
Upon graduating high school, he enrolled at Middle Georgia State College where he continued to give his service in student government and was named President of Student African American Brotherhood. Dee has been awarded many community and scholarly awards, but his most honorable one is being deemed as an International Hero by the American Red Cross Society
. Dee transferred into Georgia State University, where he studied Political Science. He also received degrees from Andersonville Seminary Theological in Biblical Studies.
He is employed with FuturePlan by Ascensus as a Retirement Plan Consultant and also as a Consultant for Sidney & Co. He serves as CFO and Co-Founder of SME Investments LLC, and Co-Founder of The Collier-Sidney Foundation.
He has served as Associate Minister of Rock Creek Missionary Baptist Church located in Jackson, Georgia and humbly serves under the leadership of Reverend R.L. Henderson Sr. Dee is also an avid Freemason out of St. Mark Lodge #406 of Jackson Ga and Shriner out of Newnan Temple #9 in which he served as Temple Potentate. Dee is also a Silver Lifetime Member of the NAACP Jackson Butts County Branch #5204.
Dee was called to pastor on April 1, 2018 and installed as Pastor of The Greater Bethel Community Church of Jackson, Ga on May 27, 2018.
Dee currently sits as a Board Member of the following Organizations: We Are One Organization of Griffin Ga, Henderson School Alumni Association & Trust, Butts County Family Connections Life Enrichment Team, Second Chance Ministries, Griffin Area Habitat for Humanity, United Butts Ministerial Alliance, Concerned Clergy of Butts County Committee. He holds various memberships in many civic and professional organizations such as American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries just to name one.
Dee is married to the love of his life the Honorable Breanna Collier-Sidney, the daughter of Dr. E.F. Collier and First Lady Michelle Collier. Dee and Bre have one beautiful daughter Collier Elan.
2026 sponsors
Signature Sponsors
Beulah Missionary Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Jerry D. Black, Pastor
Trice Funeral Home, Incorporated Irvin Trice
Joe Sims, Councilmember City of Barnesville
Presenting Sponsors
Bentley and Sons Funeral Home
Barnesville, Thomaston, and Woodbury
East Mount Sinai Baptist Church
Reverend Jimmy Lyons, Pastor
Tiffany N. Miller
Former Youth Ambassador
Ernest Respress
Former Youth Ambassador
West Mount Sinai Baptist Church
Reverend Waylon T. Knight, Pastor
Contributing Sponsors
Antioch Baptist Church
Reverend Keith Battle, Pastor
Booker High School Class of 1970
Calvary Baptist Church
Reverend Terrence Curtis, Pastor
Dr. Jarrod Fletcher
Former Youth Ambassador
Lamar County Board of Commissioners
Contributing Sponsors
Dr. Brian Merritt
Former Youth Ambassador
Grace to Glory Church Ministries, Inc.
Reverend Mia C. McGee, Pastor
Lamar County NAACP
Mayor Kelly Hughes City of Barnesville, Georgia
Mr. Carl and Mrs. Imgard Ogletree
Sardis Baptist Church
Reverend Delvrick Ladal Blackmon, Pastor
Michele A. Simmons
King Celebration Committee Charter Member
United Bank
Special Acknowledgements
City of Barnesville
Goggans Florist
Gordon State College
Irvin Trice Trice Funeral Home, Inc.
Chick-fil-A Griffin, Georgia
Musicians
Earnest “Chip” Norman, Chris Collier, Dontavious Andrews, Denzel Andrews, and Joshua Fuller
