Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — Dozens of Natchez school-age children sang, danced and recited poetry in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, to the delight of at least 500 parents, grandparents, teachers, and community leaders.

The children represented the Natchez-Adams School District and Instant Impact charter schools, as well as 10 Adams County churches.

It’s the first time in several years that NAPAC and the Business and Civic League have organized the Youth Luncheon on MLK Jr. Day. The event was almost completely orchestrated and performed by Natchez youth.

Miss BryAnna Ford served as mistress of ceremonies. The event began with a welcome from Bobby Dennis of NAPAC and was followed by the National Anthem, sung by Miss MarKayla Crews, who represented Christian Hope Baptist Church. Crews is also Miss Natchez High School.

Others who participated in the event included Kolby Mims of Natchez Adams School District and Kyra Searcy of New Hope: The Vision Center and Natchez Early College.

Nathan Davis of Pilgrim Baptist Church read an excerpt from Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech.

Youngsters Aspen and Alexa Wesley of Smithland Baptist Church presented a song.

In addition to honoring King, the luncheon honored local “Legacy Builders,” Robert Johnson Sr., whose biography was read by Chase Williams of Mount Olive Baptist Church and Phillip West, whose biography was read by Kayla Harper of Mount Sinai Baptist Church.

Students from Instant Impact Global Prep and Adams County NAACP Youth performed a song portraying the works of the Deacons of Defense.

Students also honored those who paved the way for civil rights by their participation in The Parchman Ordeal.

Others who participated included the Natchez High School Marching Band, the Natchez High School Choir, Carlos Demby of Greater St. James Baptist Church, Hannah Marie Bruce of True Love Baptist Church, Tivon Perry of True Love Baptist Church.

Kayla LaMaya King of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church and Brentzen Lewis of Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Avalyn Jenkins of Antioch Baptist Church performed a praise dance while siblings Akierrehs, Akierrian and Akierreon Grandberry  — known as Triple A Gospel Singers — of Pilgrim Baptist Church performed a song.

Also participating were Caden Whirl of Pilgrim Baptist Church and Amelia Tucker of Daughter of Zion Baptist Church. Jailynn Williams of Great St. James Baptist Church performed a stirring rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come.’

Students Nakiyra Bates, Saniyah Dukes, Anthony Haywood, James King, Tre’shaun Perry, Tia Pinder, Cinya Scott, Derrick Washington, JeMiyla Williams, the Emerald Elites, Shonda Morris and Kenzie Redden also performed.