By By MaryClaire Foster
Continuing with the 26th annual nationwide celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, several events have been organized in Atmore.
The Progressive Civic and Recreational Club is sponsoring an event at 3 p.m. today at Zion Star A.M.E. Zion Church. The program will feature a sermon by the Rev. Stanley Felder, assistant pastor of the New Beginning Church in Atmore, and songs by the host church’s choir. There will also be congregational songs under the direction of Mr. Willie J.
The annual MLK Jr. Day parade, organized by the Concerned Citizens of Atmore, will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 21.
Sandra Gray, a director of the Concerned Citizens, said it is important to continue to honor King and the efforts he made towards equality.
Mona Simmons is also a member of the Concerned Citizens added that events in honor of King are important to remind younger generations of history.
Because of things he has contributed, it’s made our life better. He’s a role model for justice and equality.”
This year’s grand marshals of the parade are W.J. Grissett and the Rev. Danny Benjamin.
Line up for participants in the parade will start at 9 a.m. at Houston Avery Park and the parade will begin promptly at 10 a.m.
The parade route this year has changed because of conflicts with the trains being held up too long.
The parade route is as follows: leave Houston Avery Park turn left on MLK and proceed to Ridgley Street, turn right on Ridgley and proceed to Main Street, turn right on Main Street and proceed to Ashley Street, turn right on Ashley Street and proceed to Carver Avenue, turn left on Carver Avenue and proceed to MLK, turn left on MLK and return to Houston Avery Park to end the parade.
State Farm Agent Audrey Moon donated pedometer for people walking in the parade as part of the company’s 50 Million Pound challenge. Those wishing to participate in the challenge can sign-up Monday at Houston Avery Park.
The annual memorial program in honor of the MLK holiday celebration will be held at Gaines Chapel AME Church following the parade. Rev. Danny Benjamin will be the guest speaker.
There will also be a memorial candle lighting for John Watkins, Eldred Pritchett and Fred Zuiderhoek Dr. Bernard Bishop, chairman of the parade committee.
Performing at the program will be the ECMS Golden Eagle Inspirational Choir and the Holy Community Center praise and dance team.
Gray said they will also be “honoring some of the people in the community that have worked so hard to keep Dr. king’s legacy alive.”