NATCHEZ — On Monday Natchez will celebrate an annual luncheon and parade aimed to carry forth the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The 2018 “I Have a Dream” luncheon begins at 10 a.m. at the Natchez Convention Center.

“It puts the talent of the community on display,” Natchez Association for the Preservation of African-American Culture Director Darrell White said.

Now in its 22nd year, the luncheon’s mission of promoting community youth has stayed the same, while the event’s scale has grown massively.

“It’s a vehicle for us to promote and present some of the best, brightest youngsters in the African-American community,” White said. “We started off with roughly 75 guests, to now over 1,200 people will be in attendance.”

The luncheon will feature performances, dancing and speeches by the area’s youth.

Tickets are $12 at the door.

Just hours later, the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, sponsored by the Natchez Chapter of the NAACP, will take to the streets. The floats, vehicles and numerous dance groups will line up at 1:30 p.m., and the parade will commence a half-hour later.

“We do this … as a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” parade organizer Jacqueline Marsaw said.

Marsaw said all dance crews as well as the public are invited to join the parade.

The NAACP will also host a banquet 7 p.m. Sunday night at the convention center.

Those interested in participating in the Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities can reach Marsaw at 601-443-3630.