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. The event attracted over 300 attendees and garnered support from 36 sponsors, emphasizing the theme “Three Decades, One Dream: Strengthening Our Community.” Under the leadership of Selma Links President Dr. Patricia Kendrick Robinson, Unity Breakfast Chair Dr. Willietta Ellis Conner, and Corporate Sponsor Chair Mrs. Pinkie Platt, the breakfast celebrated Dr. King’s legacy while calling for renewed action.
Keynote speaker District Court Judge Vernetta Perkins Walker, the first woman to hold her position in Dallas County, delivered a compelling address centered on justice, leadership, and the relevance of Dr. King’s vision. Walker stated, “Justice is what love looks like in public,” emphasizing that love must be active and committed. Her message revolved around four guiding pillars: remember, strengthen, recommit, and move forward.
Walker urged the audience to leverage the rich history of Selma as a foundation for tackling contemporary challenges. “We begin by remembering—not because we are sentimental, but because memory is the map for our mission,” she explained. She highlighted the need for leaders who are dedicated to serving and empowering their communities. Reflecting on the chapter’s three-decade history of service, Walker honored past presidents and noted impactful initiatives led by Robinson, including health screenings, voter participation, and STEM programs.
The breakfast also served as a platform to recognize Lemarkus Snow, honored as the Distinguished Citizen of the Year for his significant contributions to the community. His commitment to service exemplifies the spirit of unity celebrated at the event. In addition, the Selma Chapter awarded 20 scholarships to students from surrounding counties, part of an ongoing effort to support youth and promote academic success.
A focal point of the breakfast was the chapter’s involvement with the Black K.A.R.E. program, a national initiative aimed at addressing chronic kidney disease (CKD) among Black Americans. Participating for four consecutive years, the Selma Chapter is one of only 60 chapters nationwide selected for this initiative in 2024. The program seeks to confront a significant health disparity, as Black Americans represent 13% of the U.S. population yet account for 35% of the 37 million adults diagnosed with CKD.
Dr. Andreia White, Physician Advocate for Black K.A.R.E., discussed the importance of early detection and awareness of CKD. “Chronic kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, which is why routine checkups and early screenings are so important,” White stated. The initiative includes workshops, free health screenings, nutritional assistance for dialysis patients, and outreach campaigns to educate communities on CKD.
As the event concluded, Walker’s words resonated deeply with attendees. “Three decades, one dream. And by the grace of God—we will not let it die in our hands.” The success of the Unity Breakfast was bolstered by the generous support of 36 corporate sponsors, including International Paper, Pediatric Adolescent Medicine, and Congresswoman Terri Sewell, representing a diverse array of businesses and civic leaders committed to community progress.
This year’s breakfast not only commemorated Dr. King’s legacy but also reinforced the imperative for ongoing community engagement and health equity, vital elements in realizing a just society.
