Goler Metropolitan commemorates the 1964 visit of Martin Luther King Jr.

Just as it did 60 years ago, last Saturday the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. echoed throughout Goler Metropolitan AME Zion Church. On April 13, 1964, King made a stop in Winston-Salem and spoke at Goler. And during a special commemoration ceremony held last weekend, a clip of King’s speech was played for the first time.  While speaking in front of a jam-packed crowd at Goler, King talked about the importance of voting and peaceful protest. Although it was hard to make out parts of the King’s speech from the 60-year-old recording, it was clear that King’s voice touched everyone in that room. Before the clip was played, Linda Dark, Renee Phillips, Dr. Velma Watts, and Frances Steward, who were all in attendance 60 years ago, talked about that historic day.  Dr. Watts was in attendance that day with her husband and young daughter. As they waited for the event to start, Watts said the power went but was restored after a few minutes. Although there were threats of violence leading up to King’s visit, when the power went out Watts said no one left their seat, they just waited, determined not to let fear run them away. ...