Residents of Picayune came out in force to honor the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in an annual parade.

The parade began Monday morning from Rose of Sharon Church of God and ended at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where a rousing service was held in honor of the iconic civil rights leader.

As people marched together they celebrated the vision King had for the nation and its people.

All participants shared a similar opinion that it was due to King’s work that equality despite color and race now prevails.

At the service, District I Supervisor Donald Hart, who is also pastor of Newness of Life Ministry in Picayune, spoke about his dream of transforming the community for the better. His speech was based on King’s address “I Have a Dream.”

Hart shared his vision of having a community occupied with people who work toward the betterment and encouragement of each other to achieve greater heights.

Hart said there is no point in running away from responsibilities and that wherever one goes they will have to deal with somebody.

Larry Breland, Councilman for Picayune’s Precinct IV, also spoke at the service about keeping King’s dream alive. He said that there is a chance to improve the community as one. He wants to see a community where there is no black or white but one big family. And if everyone can work together on that goal, the city will be a better place to live.

Throughout the event, participants threw candy and beads to those on the street sides, while various community groups from the local NJROTC, the Picayune Police Department, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and the local chapter of the NAACP marched as one down the streets of Picayune.

It’s our hope that Pearl River County and the entire country will see a time where everyone comes together as one, just like they do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.