Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A variety of activities to honor Dr. King and celebrate his birthday will be held in Natchez and throughout this nation.

One of those 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. 

Along with a delicious lunch, this year’s program will provide entertainment by the superb youth talent from the Miss-Lou. We are very excited to have a dynamic youth speaker, Kaylin Saniya Lewis. Kaylin is 13 years old and she attends Robert Lewis Magnet School. Trinity Miller, a senior at Cathedral School, will serve as program guide for the occasion. 

This year’s theme, Dream with a Vision, Live with a Purpose, personifies Dr. King’s life. As a champion against social injustice, 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, 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 its 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 NAPAC wants to remind the children of King’s dream. More importantly, NAPAC wants them to remember that King and many others paid the ultimate price; they gave their lives in the struggle for justice and equality. Last year, 2018, was unforgettable for many reasons and as we move forward in this historic year, we hope that this luncheon will be our largest and the most memorable.

Therefore, we are calling on all youths throughout the Miss-Lou, to attend the Martin Luther King “I Have A Dream Youth Luncheon” in record numbers. The luncheon will be held 10 a.m. Monday at the Natchez Convention Center.

Please support the luncheon through your churches, organizations, and schools or as an individual. The cost of the luncheon is $11 per person. To ensure getting a seat, call Mary White (601-446-5601), Flora Terrell (601-446-5218) or Juanita Jones (601-446-5752). Make all checks payable to NAPAC.

Thank you for your cooperation and generous support in the past. We know that you will enjoy and benefit from participating in the 2019 “I Have A Dream Youth Luncheon!” It is not too late to get your tickets. Please call and make your reservation today. We look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Danielle Terrell is a NAPAC board member.