Carrying on King's work

Martin Luther King Jr.'s actions inspired Sandra Barnhardt to run for student body president when she was a junior in high school in 1968, even though she was black and 80 percent of her class was white.

Soon after she made her campaign speech, she learned King had been assassinated.

She went on to win the election, and inspired by King's legacy, Barnhardt continued to serve her community. Most recently, she has done that as a music specialist at Charleston Development Academy and music director for Charleston Symphony Orchestra Gospel Choir.

She was one of 13 area residents honored Wednesday at the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Picture Awards at Burke High School in Charleston.

The Picture Awards were founded in 1998 by state Rep. Wendell Gilliard, who was a Charleston city councilman at the time. Gilliard said a committee selects the honorees, who are people who "go above and beyond" in their service to the community.

Each of the honorees received a large framed photograph of King and a commemorative certificate from the state Senate, a move promoted by Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston.

The other 2010 honorees were: Glen and Dolly Davis, Yvonne Evans, Renee Gailliard, Curtis Jefferson, Sonya Jones, Rep. David Mack III, the Rev. Eric Mack, Geneva B. Robinson, Robert Rosen, Jeffrey Ward and the Rev. Alonzo Washington.

Gilliard told those gathered that it's important for community members to continue to serve and make a difference. "King was a mover and shaker," he said. "We don't just talk the talk. We walk the walk."

He also said that the honorees were all people doing things that King could be proud of.

He pointed especially to the Davises, who launched an organization called Davis Veterans Service. The Davises are both blind.

Despite their physical challenges, Gilliard said, "they do more than most people who can see."

The organization is an assistance and referral service for veterans, Glen Davis said. He and his wife help veterans in any way they can.

Where they can't help, they refer them to other organizations that can.

Receiving the award was a great honor, he said.

They plan to continue their work, he said, with a long-term goal of eradicating homelessness.

In addition to the 13 honorees, Christine Osborne Jackson, retired executive director of the YWCA of Greater Charleston and a cousin of the late Coretta Scott King, was given a special tribute for a lifetime of service.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley also spoke at the event. He encouraged all gathered to take action on issues important to improving the community.

"Dr. King was a go-getter," Riley said. "Keep moving to keep the dream alive."

Reach Diane Knich at 937-5491 or dknich@postandcourier.com.