Had he lived to still physically be among us, America’s Drum Major for Peace, Justice and Equality the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would be celebrating his 83rd birthday on Sunday.

His life having been cut down by an assassin’s bullet at the age of 39 in 1968 put an end to the man, but not his mission and work. There are very few others in the history of this nation who have accomplished more throughout a shortened lifespan.

Many within our community will soon recognize and celebrate the birthday of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. There are a number of groups and organizations which have planned events to commemorate this occasion. There are three major events to which all are invited and encouraged to attend.

On Sunday, the Natchez Branch of the NAACP will hold its 11th annual banquet at 7 p.m. at the Natchez Community Center.

The keynote speaker for this event will be Mrs. Joyce Johnson, interim superintendant Natchez-Adams School District. Tickets are $15 per person and can be obtained from any NAACP member.

For any additional information call Mrs. Katie Ruth Moore at 601-445-5957

On Monday, Jan. 16, the Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American History and Culture will hold its 19th annual youth luncheon at the Natchez Convention Center. Seating will begin at 10 a.m., as in the past more than 1,000 people have attended this event. Along with a tasteful meal the talents of our communities’ youth will be featured.

Tickets are $11 per person. If you are unable to attend, it is requested that you consider sponsoring a child to attend this event.

Immediately following the luncheon will be the Martin Luther King Day parade. The parade will assemble on the bluff north of Franklin Street at 1:30 p.m. and proceed up Franklin Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Street, where it will continue to its terminus at Minor Street.

There are no specific registration requirements or fees, just a willingness to acknowledge life and contributions made by this iconic American. Community churches, groups, organizations and businesses are invited to participate.

For any additional information regarding any of these scheduled events, call the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture at 601-445-0728.

 

Darrell White is the director of the Natchez Association for the Preservation of African American History and Culture.