A birthday party for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was held by Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Monday at the Georgia International Convention Center off of Camp Creek Parkway. 

Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless fed 3000 people a delectable dinner of turkey, ham, dressing, rice, salad, egg roll, and birthday cake. Barbers and beauticians volunteered their time and gave free haircuts and hair styles to those in need. Also, free health care screenings were provided by Kaiser Permanente.  Furthermore, free clothing and shoes were given away.  

Gwinnett County buses, Gateway, and Marta Transit brought the guests from Atlanta to the Georgia International Convention Center and transported them back to Atlanta.

Hosea Feed the Hungry, has served the hungry and the homless for the past 41 years. The non-profit sponsors five major dinners throughout the year for New Years, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Some of the major sponsors of the event included Kaiser Permanente, Tyler Perry, Coca-Cola, and Delta. 

Approximately, 600 volunteers participated in the event. A 100 person team from Kaiser Permanente helped serve the honored guest. Other nameless volunteers helped in guiding the guest to special locations, bringing food from the kitchen to the serving area, greeting and signing in entertainers. 

Special Guest performed for the King's celebration such as the J.T. Spirituals; Shelia Ray Charles, daughter of Georgia's R&B legend Ray Charles, and Claudette King, daughter of Blue's legend, B.B. King.  Also, the Koren Christian Ensemble wore colorful traditional costumes and performed on beautiful drums.

Young children participated in the musical program, as well, such as, the 4 female member group called Glow. They performed "Stop That", a rap that encourages children to stop bullying. The talented 20 member string youth orchestra, Still Waters performed and received a standing ovation from the enthralled crowd. The group was founded and directed by David Robinson. Also, the dance ensemble, Agape, performed a spiritual dance of "Wade in the Water."

Hosea Williams was a dear friend and field lieutenant of Martin Luther King, Jr. He led many of the Civil Right's marches and demonstrations, in the 1960s. Also, he attended and organized many student protests at Morris Brown College. Furthermore, he was known as distinguished Chemist, City Councilman, State Representative,  and businessman in Atlanta and Dekalb County.  Hosea Williams began his campaign of Hosea Feed the Hungry, in the 1970s. Since his death in 2000, his daughter Elisabeth Omilami has been the CEO of the non-profit organization. 

Omilami was missed at the event due to a recent bout with pneumonia. However, her work was carried on my her devoted husband and co-director, Afemo Omilami and her son, Awodele Omilami.

Another, key organizer and director of entertainment of the event was Janice Reed. Reed has served with Hosea Feed the Hungry since the 1970's.

Jay Jones, the Stage Manager for the performers of the Hosea Feed the Hungry event, commissioned a poem, "Strength to Give", written by Dr. Yolande Minor and Mattie Marsh that was presented to family.  Also, Mattie Marsh performed her creative story "Island Lady" to an enthusiastic crowd.

Sabrina, 10, of the perfomance group "Glow" summarized the event, "We want to raise the confidence of girls and all people that you can make positive change across the world."