MLK Celebration set for Saturday

The Linden Heritage Foundation will present Mason D. Barrett as featured speaker for its 2024 Martin Luther King celebration 2 p.m. Saturday. in the courtroom of the historic Cass County Courthouse in Linden.

This event is being held during the week of celebration for the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Barrett’s remarks will be given under the title of “Invisible History: Part 2.”

“History has lessons to teach us if we will only read or listen,” Barrett said of the direction his talk will take.

“This is particularly true of the accomplishments of people of color. However, in some communities there is little evidence or knowledge of these achievements.”

Barrett said his remarks will tell of the contributions of Lindenites Master Chief Petty Officer Billy Wayne Allen; NFL star and attorney Brigman “Brig” Owens; and Mrs. Emily “Mo” Smith, a former slave.

Last year at this time, Barrett gave part one of his invisible history remarks which included the story of the family of Nancy Carter, born a slave in 1785. His review brought the family and its descendants with connections to Linden down to present day scholar Dr. Arcelia M. Johnson-Fannin, dean of the Felk School of Pharmacy at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX.

Barrett, a 1973 graduate of Linden- Kildare High School, is administrative law judge for the Equal Opportunity Commission in Alabama. He is also active as a member of the Linden community.

“Mason will bring to life the accomplishments of such hidden figures that will enlighten and inspire us all,” said Joe B. Lovelace, past president of the Linden Heritage Foundation. “We invite everyone to join with us in this celebration of the life of Martin Luther King.”

For further information, contact Lovelace at joe.lovelace@lindenheritage. org or 512-799-6294.