Etta Scott, chairperson of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Committee, is preparing for a countywide celebration of equality.
On Jan. 16, a parade will celebrate “the life and legacy of a great man that paved the way for healing of not only African-Americans, but for all people,” Scott said.
The parade will start at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, located at 501 Weems St., and convene at Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ, located at 500 N. Beech St.
A couple of buses will provide transportation from Rose of Sharon—the end of the parade—to the start of the parade at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. Participants can board the buses from 8:30 to 9 a.m., Scott said. She asks that all participants park at Rose of Sharon.
Line up for the parade will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m., at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, Scott said.
Local high school marching bands, ROTC organizations and city and county officials will be participating in the parade.
“This is a holiday for everyone. [Martin Luther King, Jr.] was for the equality of all people, and we should pay tribute to that in fellowship and share the history of his words,” Scott said. “We need to keep his dreams going.”
After the parade, a service program will follow at Rose of Sharon in honor of King. During this program the keynote speaker will be Rev. Henry S. Marshall, pastor of Pilgrim Bound Baptist Church. Community of Christians Helping Youth will showcase some of their students to celebrate the historical holiday.
“This is just something for everyone in the county to look forward to. I am always excited about these events and hope everyone feels welcome to join us,” Scott said.
The event is free of charge for those interested in participating and spectating.
Questions concerning the MLK Day Celebration can be directed to Etta Scott at 601-347-1848 or Ozie Turner at 601-798-3506.