Texana - There were plenty of good vibes to go around Monday during the 28th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast in the Texana Community Center.
With the theme of “Together We Can Make a Difference,” the morning started with a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a song often referred to as the black national anthem. It continued with members of Cub Scout Troop 400 leading the crowded and diverse audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. It was magnified with special prayers of love and unity, along with a hand-clapping song by the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church choir.
After a fulfilling meal, keynote speaker Tyrea Allen reminded everyone to “keep on keeping on” in order to make a difference in their communities.
“I’m not worthy to be at this platform, so I’m giving it all to God,” said Allen, a 2004 graduate of Murphy High School. “Be good neighbors and tell them about Jesus.”
Allen shared several stories of growing up on the hill in Texana, where several men and women served a mentors to him and other young people.
“There’s no place like it in the world,” he added. “My grandma – who was a saint, inside and out – showed me that serving your family and community is far more profitable than any self-centered pursuit.”
Allen has shown that in his career as the first African-American teacher at Rosman High School in Brevard, where he teaches social studies and also has been hired as junior varsity head football coach. He also serves as a deacon at his church.
His wife, JoAnna Allen, gave a moving introduction to the man she called talented and good looking, “with an incredible work ethic. I don’t know what word is bigger than ‘proud.’ God really showed off when He made Tyrea.”
Allen wrapped up his talk by sharing some heroes of early U.S. history, like George Liele and Harriet Tubman, and how they helped stop the evil of slavery with faith and hope. He also shared a rhyme that put into perspective the history of African-Americans, leading to the civil rights movement and King’s assassination on April 4, 1968.
“The more we learn, the more we grow,” he said, a smile on his face despite the challenges of the past. “Through grace, kindness and love, we can keep on keeping on.”