A Monday evening reception at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center was a scene that would have warmed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s heart.

Blacks and whites spanning the generations mingled with one another. A skilled laborer hobnobbed with a member of Gov. Tim Kaine's cabinet. The Who's Who of Roanoke noshed on chicken fingers with the Less Famous But Equally Important.

With this morning's celebratory massing and marching of Southwest Virginians and the anticipated singing of the civil rights anthem "We Shall Overcome," today's long-awaited unveiling of Roanoke's memorial to King will be the main course.

But Monday's reception was the appetizer, an event for those who worked tirelessly on the front lines along with their supporters to make the tribute a reality.

"It's about the fellowship of people behind the scenes," said Bishop Edward Mitchell, a member of the citizens committee that sought ways to honor King. "To see it come shows people have been steadfast and unmovable."

Gail Burruss of Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare said, "There's an energy that's present here that represents the spirit of what Dr. King did for this country. I feel a true coming together with so many people here."

About a hundred people attended the invitation-only reception. The gala was a nice gesture and didn't cost taxpayers anything because sponsors picked up the tab.

So often when city officials mess up something, the public deservedly rebukes them. But Roanoke officials, along with the citizens panel, delivered a King tribute that is unique and of which residents can be proud.

The monument memorializes King with something more imaginative than a street, a park or a school. For that, those behind the scenes deserved a gala. The crowd consisted of local elected officials, educators and just plain folks from every walk of life.

"This is a great occasion," said Maryellen Goodlatte, who stood in for her husband, U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte, because he had an out-of-town engagement. He will be at today's unveiling.

The reception featured chicken fingers, sliced turkey and beef, fresh vegetables and fruit.

The event reflected the generosity of sponsors such as Appalachian Power Co., Sprint, Carilion Clinic, Access, Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore, and a host of florists.

City purchasing manager Sharon Gentry said the reception was the suggestion of the artists, Jeffrey Varilla and Anna Koh Varilla of Chicago, who attended Monday's event.

Gentry said Roanoke officials were thrilled to have the dream of a memorial come to fruition after years of planning but didn't know exactly what to do to celebrate. Gentry said the artists told them that other cities usually launch the festivities with some sort of quiet celebration.

City officials acknowledged that Monday's reception, though festive, was merely a teaser for the celebration that is expected to include thousands today. City officials are expecting 600 Roanoke schoolchildren.

I received a call from a woman at an Elliston elementary school who asked about bringing her preschoolers to the historic event.

"The event doesn't start until tomorrow when the citizens come," Gentry said Monday night. "This is a kicker to get started."

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• Posted by Shanna Flowers in Local government
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