About Us

The Elbert County MLK Planning Committee, Inc. was formed with a clear mission: to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through meaningful events, education, and service that uplift our community. Rooted in the values of justice, unity, and progress, we believe that remembering the past is essential to building a more equitable future.

We are neighbors, educators, faith leaders, artists, and advocates. But more than that, we are a team committed to continuing Dr. King’s dream—right here in Elbert County.

This page is your home for learning more about who we are and why we do this work. Here, you’ll find:

History of Our Organization

How the committee began, our milestones, and how we've grown alongside our community.

A short biography of our Chairwoman- a leader whose passion and dedication guide our mission.

Get to know the individuals working behind the scene to bring our vision to life each year

Our Chairwoman

Meet the Committee

Our vision and mission guide everything we do- from organizing annual celebrations to creating opportunities for youth leadership, community service, and cross-cultural understanding.

Mission

To honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by fostering unity, diversity, equity, inclusion, and service to Elbert County & northeast Georgia.

Vision

To enhance cooperation and race relations to the point of achieving economic, educational, environmental, political

and social equity.

501c3

Elbert County Planning Committee, Inc. is a tax-exempt organization.

For more than three decades, the Elbert County MLK Planning Committee, Inc. has carried the torch of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in a place where the work of unity and justice is both vital and deeply felt. Established 32 years ago (1993), our celebration is distinctive because it takes root in a rural community where change can often be met with resistance. Yet, year after year, this committee has earned the trust and support of neighbors, civic leaders, schools, churches, and community organizations, weaving together a broad coalition committed to keeping Dr. King’s dream alive.

What sets the Elbert County celebration apart is not its size, but its spirit. Our events create powerful opportunities for youth to lead, speak, and shine. The Unity Celebration, in particular, has become a platform for young people to develop confidence and public speaking skills while inspiring others with their voices. This commitment to youth leadership ensures that Dr. King’s message of justice and equality is carried into the future with strength and hope.

Over the years, there have been countless memorable moments. Early on, the Unity Celebration was broadcast by 11-Alive News in Atlanta, a milestone that brought statewide attention to our rural county and affirmed the significance of our work. But the true highlights have always been the students—their passionate orations in the Oratorical Contest and their brilliance in the Academic Bowl. With professionalism, poise, and courage, they embody the very ideals Dr. King envisioned for the next generation.

From its earliest days to today, the Elbert County MLK Planning Committee has been guided by a zealous spirit of unity and a vision of cooperation that transcends race and background. Our mission is not just to commemorate Dr. King’s life, but to advance his dream of economic, educational, environmental, social, and political justice in Elbert County.

History of the Elbert County Planning Committee, Inc.

Mary Morrison Clark grew up in Elbert County, Georgia, in Metropolitan Bowman, where she still calls home. She was educated in the Elbert County School District before attending Savannah State University, Brenau University, and Clemson University. After 23 years of dedicated service as an educator at Bowman Elementary School, she retired in September 2012, leaving behind a legacy of shaping young minds and building strong foundations for future leaders.

Mary’s commitment to her community extends far beyond the classroom. In 2003, she made history as the first woman of color elected to the Bowman City Council, later serving as Mayor Pro-Tem and Interim Mayor—the first female of color to hold those positions as well. Re-elected in 2019, her leadership has been marked by a consistent dedication to service, justice, and advocacy for her community. She also serves on the ACTION, Inc. Board of Directors and is active in civic and service organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (Iota Psi Omega Chapter), the local NAACP Branch, and as a life member of the Savannah State University National Alumni Association. Each month, she continues serving her neighbors through the Bowman Community Food Pantry.

Mary’s path with the Elbert County MLK Planning Committee began in October 1993, when—at the conclusion of a local NAACP meeting—she posed a simple but bold question: “Why don’t we plan an MLK Parade here, in Elberton?” To which a friend replied, “Since it’s your idea, why don’t you serve as chairman?” From that moment, she became the founding chairwoman of the committee, a role she has held faithfully for over 30 years.

Of all the accomplishments during her leadership, Mary is most proud of keeping young people at the center of the celebration. Through essay contests, school programs, films like Our Friend, Martin, the Unity Parade, the Ecumenical Banquet, and (formerly) the Academic Bowl and Oratorical Contest, she has ensured that youth are not only participants but also storytellers of Dr. King’s legacy.

Mary often reminds others that this work has been a labor of love: “a commitment to community, humanity, and a greater calling.” She challenges the next generation to pick up the torch with courage and conviction:“Be advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all you do. Celebrate differences and lift others as you climb. Speak truth to power, and speak out against injustices. Build bridges. You are not just the future; you are now the dream. The dream no longer belongs to Dr. King—it belongs to you.”

Mary is married to John M. Clark, and together they have an adult daughter, Nefertara Clark Miller. Grounded in her faith, one of her favorite verses continues to guide her service: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).