Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
A perfect evening for a celebration, where hundreds gathered at Mac Gray Park for a Juneteenth Family Night Concert hosted by the Marlon and Marcus Foundation along with State Representative Kelvin Lawrence.
“This means a lot to me; I just thank God for the ability to have the resources to make this happen. I just think it’s important to give back,” Jackson said.
The festivities started with local vendors that provided the perfect hospitality for the last day of Spring. Lawn chairs faced the stage with many getting up to dance while the kids played in the field behind.
Live music was provided by Souled Out Groove and James Marshall Male Chorus of the Ward Chapel AME Church, as well as DJ Kenny and his crew.
Not only did the Family Night Concert honor the history of the holiday but also local pillars within the community. Jackson honored Lonnie Nunn and Katherine Shelby Wednesday night. Jackson stated they have been instrumental in helping with the Marlon and Marcus Foundation and this community.
Jackson also honored Rev. Ell White, Pastor Patrick Lucas, Barbara Robinson and Angie Hayden Wednesday night for how often these individuals advocate for the local community.
“They’re often in our city council meetings, they’re often advocating for us. They’re faithful on those first and third Tuesdays of the month at the city council meetings, at the county commission meetings, at the school board meetings. I just wanted to take the time to recognize them for the efforts,” Jackson said.
Lawrence addressed the crowd along with the Marlon and Marcus Foundation, thanking everyone for coming to celebrate with them.
“I want to continue to work with not only this organization, but all organizations here in Autauga County to help make this place a better place for everybody. An inclusive of everybody, no matter where you live, or where you stay, we want everybody to be treated as equal,” Lawrence said.
Lawrence went on to state that he looks forward to working with everyone in this community and getting to know community members personally.
The Marlon and Marcus Foundation, who helped host the event, is an organization spearheaded by two residents Marcus Jackson and Marlon Anderson. Who both grew up in Autauga County and Prattville, however they both took very different directions in leadership.
Anderson went on to play a full career as a Major League Baseball player for the Rays, Dodgers, Phillies, Cardinals, Nationals and finished his career with the Mets. Throughout his career, Marlon worked with the MLB RBI program focused on helping minority youth learn the sport of baseball. He has also coached and mentored minority teens with the MLB Dream Center, preparing them for college scholarships, , according to the Marlon and Marcus Foundation’s Website.
“We’re all about community. We’re all about the people in this community. I always tell people what we’re doing is we’re trying to enrich the community. We’re trying to increase things and make things better in this community, Anderson said.
Jackson sits on the district two Prattville City Council position, leading and representing Prattville and the community in any way that he can. For more than 20 years, Councilor Marcus Jackson has mentored hundreds of young people through Brother2Brother, Sister2Sister, and Project Uplift. He also serves as a board member for Alabama E.D.G.E. –an innovative program that exposes young people to life and career skills in hands-on, real-world environments, according to the Marlon and Marcus Foundation’s Website.
“So many people have sewn into my life, and I just feel like it’s our duty as leaders, to not just take, to also sow and give back to our community. Especially on a day like today with-it being Juneteenth. It’s not just a holiday for African Americans, but also for all Americans because it’s a part of our history. Something that we can learn from, build upon making the future better, and making sure we don’t repeat those mistakes we made in the past,” Jackson said.
