Dr. William Reid, the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Bristol, VA, continued the tradition of serving as guest speaker as students and staff of Blue Ridge Job Corps observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Although COVID-19 protocols prevented Dr. Reid from visiting in person, he was still able to deliver his message via video chat.
As a young boy growing up in the small town of Anniston, Alabama, in the 1950s and 60s, Dr. Reid witnessed many instances of racial injustice which proved why the civil rights movement led by Dr. King was so very necessary. Dr. Reid states that though racial injustice was and is still a major issue, but he believe someday it will be snuffed out. It will not, however, be easy, he explained. “Without pain there can be no healing. We cannot heal the world of racism without bearing the cross of our brothers and sisters.”
He commended the students of Blue Ridge Job Corps for charting their own course to success. With that success, however, comes responsibility. Dr. Reid stated that no matter where you come from or where you’re going, there will always be those looking to you for guidance and watching your example. In a call to action, Reid charged, “Bring home love. Bring home respect. Bring home culture. Bring home those things which will make people proud to be associated with you.”