Genesis Express Issues Wake-Up Call

Wake-up and stay woke. That was the theme of services Monday at Bloomfield Missionary Baptist Church celebrating the life and sacrifice of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Songs of praise and encouraging scripture followed an annual march organized by Genesis Express, Inc., whose leaders issued calls for Trigg County to not only unite but be more assertive in fighting defeatism, indifference to injustice, and the lack of engagement in civic life.

The chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism during the Civil Rights Movement continues to inspire more than 30 years after he was fatally shot in Memphis, Tennessee. Though victories may have been won the battle continues, according to Rev. Oscar Dixon.

He adds that statistically speaking, black Americans are still at the lowest end of academic and economic achievement, as well as healthcare outcomes. In welcoming those gathered, Randolph Crenshaw pointed to a slightly thinner crowd compared to previous years and posed an interesting question.

Victories of the movement include desegregation stemming from Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954 and the Civil Rights acts of 1964 and 1965. Other additional protections contained in the state's constitution are not being taken advantage of, according to Genesis Express President George Radford.

Sunday alcohol sales by the drink in Cadiz were proposed late last year, the statewide academic achievement gap has yet to be closed, and Kentucky became the first state to implement a Medicaid work requirement just last week. Referencing these developments, Radford says too many people have been asleep when decisions affecting everyone were made.

Radford adds Genesis has not given up on the construction of an Inter-Generational Community Center, will offer financial planning sessions for youth, and have computers and staff on-hand to assist those hesitant to use them. Additionally, Crenshaw says all must continue moving forward.