WELSH — A celebration is planned Jan. 19 to honor the legacy of slain civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The annual event will feature a church program, parade and fun day.

“This is not just about Martin Luther King Jr. the man, but about Martin Luther King Jr. the ideas,” organizer Eddie Achan said.

Achan urges children, parents and local officials to attend the events to help celebrate the life and legacy of King.

“It will be a good gathering,” he said. “Everyone can come out and have a good time.”

All events are free.

The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with a program at Jones United Methodist Church, 203 North King St. Guest speaker will be the Rev. Carl White. A parade will begin at noon at Bethune Park on North Street and will end at Bethune Park.

Activities continue with a Fun Day 1-5 p.m. in Richmond Park on Welsh Street. Recording artist Kenny Wayne will be the featured guest.

No dogs, horses or alcohol will be allowed in the park. Horses will be allowed in the parade as long as they stay on the route. For more, contact Achan at 370-1709 or 370-9988.

In Jennings, a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, at Love of Christ Ministries, 615 West Division St. The Community Youth Choir, featuring students from second grade to high school, will perform.

Youth and community activities will also be held at the Union Baptist Church Family Life Center, 1015 South Main St., on Monday. Activities begin with a breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by classes and a career/college/health fair 8-10:30 a.m.

A parade and march will be held at 11 a.m. beginning at the Jeff Davis Bank, 507 North Main St., and ending at the Union Baptist Church, 1014 South Main St. A community prayer service and bell ringing will follow at noon.

There will be a march at 1 p.m. Monday from the Jeff Davis Bank at 338 Arthur Avenue in Lake Arthur, to the oak tree in front of City Hall, returning to the bank. Everyone is welcome to join in the march.

(MGNonline)