While the lives of Moses and Dr. Martin Luther King weresimilar, the modern-day journey to the Promised Land remainsincomplete, said the Rev. Sam Hughes.

“We haven’t made it to the Promised Land yet,” Hughes saidSunday during a celebration honoring the slain civil rights leaderat Alexander Junior High School.

Hughes said people must come together as one.

When that happens, he said, every one will have the right tovote, people will learn to build up instead of tearing down, andpeople’s religious, educational or economic backgrounds will notmatter. Under Moses, the Israelites wandered for 40 years, and thesame is happening today, Hughes said.

“We are a people doing just like the Israelites: We’re wastingtime,” said Hughes, pastor of Cool Springs and Zion Hill M.B.churches.

Several hundred people attended the Sunday ceremony on the eveof the national holiday in honor of King’s birthday.

Hughes’ speech drew several comparisons between the lives ofMoses and King, such as each having to go through a “preparationtime of humility,” resistance to their respective messages and evenresentment among their own people when their lives were made harderbecause to the leaders’ messages.

“Being a leader has its price. Being a leader has itsdisadvantages,” Hughes said, referring to Moses’ hardships andKing’s being arrested and jailed during his civil rights work.

Through it all, King kept his eyes on the goal, Hughes said.King had a vision of better lives for black citizens.

“I’m glad he marched and worked for you and I,” Hughes said.

Like Moses parting the Red Sea when the Israelites were beingchased by Pharaoh’s forces, Hughes encouraged citizens to “stretchout the rod” of education and determination. Hughes said God alwaysgives people the tools to use in their efforts.

“The same God that opened up the Red Sea is still able to opendoors…” Hughes said. “I’m so glad the God I serve still has thatpower.”

Also participating in last night’s program were the BethelA.M.E. Church Choir and Pizazz, an interpretive dance group ofjunior high and high school girls from Pike County and Tylertown.The event and reception were sponsored by the Phi Mu Omega, PikeCounty and Gamma Beta Zeta chapters of Alpha Phi Alphafraternity.