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Highlands Today

Attorney Remembers King's Inspiration

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: January 22, 2008

AVON PARK — About 300 people honored the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Monday morning at Avon Park Community Center.

The Highlands County Branch of the NAACP marked the national holiday during its annual prayer breakfast.

Attorney Larry D. Hardaway of Bartow delivered the special keynote address . He spoke of "serving to fulfill your purpose."

Hardaway received a standing ovation after he spoke about living with a purpose.

"King gave equality for a race of people who did not have it at that time," said the attorney, "and he didn't stop until the job was done.

"How proud and excited we were that someone was bringing us to the promised land."

As an eight-grader, King's April 14, 1968 assassination, sparked a life change for Hardaway.

He thanked a teacher for some advice given in wake of the King tragedy.

"'Dr. King gave his life for a reason,'" Hardaway quoted that teacher as saying. "'You have to find a reason for your life."

Hardaway then discovered reasons to serve others.

"I found my purpose in Martin Luther King Jr.," said Hardaway. "I wanted to be part of that revolution that brings people together...spend your life in service to your fellow man.

"Living without a purpose –– living in any other way –– is like living in vain."

James Stevenson of New Progress Church of God by Faith, in Avon Park, said this was his first King prayer breakfast in the City of Charm.

"His impact was what he stood for, that dream he had," said Stevenson about King. "He left a living legacy, something we can look to, to keep the dream alive."

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