It’s time for the black community in Brookhaven to startdigging.

Just as Isaac reopened the wells built by his father Abraham inthe valley of Gerar, the Rev. Andrew Stamps of Bethel AME Churchchallenged those attending Sunday’s 2010 Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr., Celebration to rededicate themselves to the civil rightsprophet’s message and dig those wells he established 50 years ago.As the Philistines filled in Isaac’s wells, so too have some ofKing’s been covered over and need digging out again, he said.

“We cannot afford to rest upon the backs of those who camebefore us,” Stamps said to a crowd of around 100 who gathered atAlexander Junior High School. “The Philistines who would deprive usof the wells are still among us today. We made a greataccomplishment in January, 2009, when Barack Obama was electedpresident, but we can’t stop digging.”

The King celebration was not only a vehicle through which torenew commitments to progress, but also a time to celebrateaccomplishments. Program organizers pointed out ways in whichKing’s work has benefited them and their community.

“We have come from the master’s house to the White House,” saidBernetta Character, president of the local chapter of theNAACP.

Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority member and AJHS seventh-grade teacherNikki Holloway highlighted recent black leaders – such as Obama,Colin Powell and Condoleeza Rice – whose positions would have beenimpossible without the progress made by King

“When one group receives civil rights, all groups receive civilrights. His work opened up other doors for all groups and people,”she said.

Alpha Phi Alpha member and program chairman Vernell Hooker madea similar point, saying everyone benefits from improved racerelations. King taught everyone – not just blacks – how to worktogether for common goals, he said.

“We have blacks in positions in Brookhaven – a black policechief, black representation in local government, black schoolofficials,” Hooker said. “We’re actually showing diversity in thiscity, despite its small size.”

The King celebration also took time to honor localaccomplishments.

The first-ever Jessie Buie Award for Community Service waspresented to CAFÉ A+ founder Steven Keys for his work in thecommunity. Keys has led the charge to restore the old AlexanderTeen Center and is active in several charitable organizations.

“I’m truly honored. I don’t do what I do looking forrecognition, I just do it to help our community, help our children,period,” Keys said. “But it’s nice to know our work isappreciated.”

Keys said a grand opening for the teen center is being plannedfor either late spring or early summer. Years spent gutting andrebuilding the facility are almost complete, and all that remainsis to paint, he said.

Community workdays for the teen center are held the first andthird Saturdays of every month, and volunteers are welcome.

Alpha Phi Alpha member Dexter Holloway closed the event byurging people to donate to the Ossé Haitian Relief Fund,established to help the Haitian family of Brookhaven native SabrinaQualls Ossé, at State Bank. The family was greatly affected by lastweek’s earthquake, with one family member killed and the restdisplaced.

“We often think that’s so far away, but here’s a face – here’s aname we know,” Holloway said.