Everyone knows the name Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his lifelong devotion to the ministry, advocacy, and leadership. Just this week, he was honored with a federal holiday bearing his name.
You might not be as familiar with Lessie Price, but she embodies many of the trailblazing traits that shaped the life of Dr. King. As he had a dream embraced by all of America, Price has contributed to fulfilling the dreams of many Aikenites.
“I can’t adequately express how much this means to me as the first local person to address this event. I look forward to speaking to what needs to be done on both sides of the aisle to move us forward,” said Price.
This Sunday, January 22, at 3:00 p.m., Price will serve as the keynote speaker for the MLK Community Celebration at the USC Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way in Graniteville. The annual event is presented by USC Aiken and Aiken Technical College.
Price became the first female and first African American elected at-large to the Aiken City Council in 1987 and has continuously served on the council for 36 years, including two terms as Mayor Pro Tempore.
In addition to her elected position, Price is the Principal Consultant with Amentum Nuclear Energy and Environment. In this role, she works to create strategies to improve economic development, environmental justice, and innovative technology in marginalized and underserved areas.
Throughout her career, she has served on more than 70 boards and has received more than 100 awards for her contributions.
The event will also recognize the winners of the 2023 Human & Civil Rights Champion Awards including Aiken Tech, USC Aiken students, and community leaders. Local service organizations will also be on hand with information on how they help the community and how you can support their work.
Doors will open at 2:30 p.m., followed by the event at 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
