‘For the Betterment of the Community’

Ruth Simpson-Milton believes strongly in “Cultivating a King Mindset.”

To be exact, it’s a Martin Luther King Jr. mindset, which is the theme for the annual MLK Commemoration Breakfast on Saturday in Palatka, where she will be honored.

“I’m not a community activist who participates in activities promoting justice for all,” the 70-year-old Palatka resident said. “However, I do give my time and talents for the betterment of the community through comforting grieving families through music.”

That display of comfort to others is why Simpson-Milton will receive special recognition during the breakfast at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1414 Bronson St. The event is sponsored by the African-American Cultural Arts Council of Putnam County.

Tickets for the event have sold out, but those who have them are invited to arrive at 9:15 a.m. for a meet and greet. The program is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

From an early age, Simpson-Milton, who was raised in a family of singers, sang solos, played the piano for a number of churches and sang with area choirs.

“I’ve been dubbed the ‘funeral singer’ because of the requests to sing at so many funerals,” she said. “Seeing the decline in choirs in black churches and hearing from God, I was led to organize the Tri-County Gospel Chorale community choir, whose members are from Putnam, St. Johns and Flagler counties.”

“Ruth was nominated as an ‘Inspiring Adult’ because of her steadfast devotion to relieving the hurt and pain of people who are going through various struggles and transitions,” said Kathy Wright, chairwoman of the breakfast and Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Walk on Monday. “She continues to inspire many people to persevere despite the difficulty of life issues. Her faith and trust in God shines bright and it is a beacon that reflects the hope, dream and vision of Dr. King’s legacy.”

Simpson-Milton said that even though her chorale group’s ministry that God allowed her to lead may not be significant to some, it is to others.

“This chorale has ministered to many individuals who lost loved ones regardless of their race or nationality,” she said. “Some of these individuals, we don’t even know, but we have a heart for people. We do not discriminate.”

Simpson-Milton was born and raised in Hastings but for the past 35 years has lived in Palatka.

“My community means a lot to me,” she said. “At first, getting accustomed to a larger town was a little hard, but now it’s home for me.”

Simpson-Milton believes it important to give back by sharing the gifts God has given an individual.

“When I think of the individuals who have been such an inspiration in my life, it motivates me to take the time to invest in others,” she said. “I truly believe our testimonies serve as a type of conduit for others and inspire them to pursue a better way of life.”

The speaker for Saturday’s breakfast will be Christon Lee, principal of Moseley Elementary School in Palatka and senior pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Hastings and The Gathering Worldwide Ministries.

Eight local youth will also be given special recognition as “Aspiring Youth” who have made significant achievements in their educational and athletic endeavors.

They include Lentavious Keenon and Josiah Washington from Crescent City Junior-Senior High School; Darien White and Telisha Strickland from Interlachen Junior-Senior High School; Ymira Passmore and Cartaveon Valentine from Palatka Junior-Senior High School; and Trenton Williams and Kemiyah Hall from Q.I. Roberts Junior-Senior High School.

Simpson-Milton is a member of Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church and is actively involved with the youth, choir, Bible study, and the women’s and ministers’ ministries. She also supports the Charmettes by attending and participating in various community events when invited and participates in the annual Pink Ribbon Walk in October in Palatka.

She retired from the Putnam County School Board in 2003 and worked for the tax collector’s offices in Putnam and St. Johns counties for a total of about 15 years collectively.

Simpson-Milton said King promoted peace among all races, so she promotes kindred spirits supporting those who are struggling in any aspect of their lives.

“In the Bible, David comforted King Saul by playing the harp,” she said. “He wanted the assurance that God’s goodness was there to protect him. It is written that after listening to the music, Saul became well again.

“Music serves as a ‘healing balm’ for those who are in any trouble. That is the avenue we travel to promote peace.”