In Atlanta, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was marked by community service at the Hosea Helps festival. The event also honored the late Civil Rights leader Hosea L. Williams on what would have been his 100th birthday. FOX 5 Atlanta reports that the nonprofit, in partnership with Delta Air Lines and UnitedHealth Care, served around 700 hot meals to families attending the festival.
Charitable efforts extended beyond meals at the Hosea Helps festival. UnitedHealth Care donated $20,000 to support food distribution, and free mammograms were offered in partnership with Grady Healthcare for residents of DeKalb and Fulton counties. Elisabeth Omilami, daughter of Rev. Williams and CEO of Hosea Helps, noted the personal importance of timely screenings, sharing that early mammograms can be life-saving.
Atlanta News First stated that the event also offered free grocery boxes, health screenings for conditions including HIV and hepatitis, help with SNAP and Medicare enrollments and renewals, and employment screenings. Attendees could also receive free haircuts, school supplies, and enter raffles for prizes such as laptops and PlayStations.
Elisabeth Omilami highlighted the role of service at the festival, noting that following Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of love involves supporting one another. Attendees, including Sandra Bryant, recognized Hosea Williams’ work with the homeless and the organization’s efforts to assist residents of Atlanta.
