Jan. 20 is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A variety of activities to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday will be hosted throughout Natchez and around the nation.

One of these activities, of special importance is the, “I Have A Dream Youth Luncheon.” The luncheon is hosted annually by the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture (NAPAC).

Along with a delicious lunch, this year’s program will provide entertainment by the superb youth talent from the Miss-Lou. Damira McGruder, a student at Morgantown Middle School, will be the guest speaker.

This year’s theme, “Dream with a Vision, Live with a Purpose,” personifies King’s life. As a champion against social injustice, the King centered his life’s work around bringing different cultures together and advancing mankind.

King was a civil rights leader who preached strongly against the mistreatment of black Americans and other people of color. He spoke out against all forms of hatred and inequality and encouraged his listeners to ignore skin color and love all people.

Moreover, Dr. King encouraged nonviolence. Today, people of all races in America claim freedom. In our modern society, education serves as the platform for the advancement of all people. An educated and enlightened society makes better decisions, works for the common good and understands and appreciates the need to return and do something good for those who are less fortunate.

In an effort to live up to the ideals of King and to fulfill his mission, NAPAC hopes that the luncheon will inform our youth of the struggle and the values of King. King left us a legacy of hope, and the NAPAC wants to remind the children of King’s dream.

More importantly, the NAPAC wants them to remember Dr. King and many others paid the ultimate price; they gave their lives in the struggle for justice and equality.

Last year was historic and unforgettable for many reasons. As we move forward in this year, we hope this luncheon will be our largest and the most memorable. Therefore, we are calling on the youth throughout the Miss-Lou, black and white, to attend the Martin Luther King “I Have A Dream Youth Luncheon” in record numbers.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Jan. 20, the luncheon will be at the Natchez Convention Center. Please support the luncheon through your churches, organizations and schools or as an individual.

The cost is $11 per person. To ensure getting a seat, please call Mary White at 601-446-5601, Juanita Jones at 601-446-5752, Flora Terrell at 601-446-6288 or Bluff City Post at 601-446-5218. Make all checks payable to NAPAC.

Thank you for your cooperation and generous support in the past. We know you will enjoy and benefit from participating in the 2014 “I Have A Dream Youth Luncheon!” Please call and make your reservation today.

We look forward to seeing you on Jan. 20.

Juanita Jones is a NAPAC Board Member.