HUD Deputy Secretary Sims Pays Tribute to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Left to right: HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims and Region IV Regional Administrator Ed Jennings, Jr.

On January 17, 2011 Deputy Secretary Ron Sims was the keynote speaker for the Corporate and Community Awards Breakfast held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday. This event was hosted by the Carolina African American Heritage Foundation and the City of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Deputy Secretary Sims was accompanied by Mr. Edward L. Jennings, Jr., Regional Administrator, HUD Region IV and Mr. Larry Knightner, South Carolina State HUD Field Office Director.

Deputy Secretary Sims delivered an inspiring speech to more than 275 attendees. He paid tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and noted how Dr. King's efforts have in the past and now are insuring that all citizens of this nation enjoy the freedoms afforded each of us regardless to race, color, creed and ethnicity.

Several Community Leaders received Community Service Awards during this Corporate and Community Awards Breakfast. They were as follows: Honorable Aaron Butler, The Justice Services Award, Dr. William J. O'Connor, The Good Samaritan Award, Mr. Wallace Evans, Jr., The Human Services Award, Ms. Gail O. Olive, The Organization Change Award, Mr. Perry Thomas, The Booker T. Washington Community Service Award, Mr. Eric Going, the Booker T. Washington Community Service Award and Reverend Mickey James, The Grand Strand Leadership Award.

HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims listening to local resident

Later in the afternoon, Deputy Secretary Sims, Mr. Jennings and Mr. Knightner met with Mayor Robert Rhodes and members of the City of Myrtle beach Staff to learn more about the city's plans for economic development and housing development initiatives for the City of Myrtle Beach. Deputy Secretary Sims delivered an inspiring message at this afternoon Brown Bag Luncheon to more than 100 community leaders, city employees and Community residents.

All in all the day's events which celebrated the birthday of Dr. King brought elected politicians, neighborhood leaders and citizens together to learn more about his legacy and how this remarkable man's goals and achievements remain a beaming light of justice and hope of freedom for all.