Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Around 200 people braved the cold air Monday morning to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The day’s events began with the 24th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade, with several area school bands, civic organizations, Divine Nine fraternities and sororities, local churches, and more participating.
A program followed the parade at noon, which saw performances from the NEA MLK Singers and NEA MLK Dancers, Nettleton High School senior Dylan Brown performing a saxophone solo, and a video presentation about King’s work.
The program’s theme was “Where Do We Go From Here?” and asked audience members to reflect on the 40 years since Jan. 19 was declared Martin Luther King Jr. Day and how to continue to work to make his vision of equality a reality.
“As we continue to uphold the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., right here in our very own city, let us move forward with the mission to protect our freedom, to uphold justice, and to demand democracy in the spirit of nonviolence,” NEA MLK Planning Committee Chairperson Kenisha Ross said. “Today, as we reflect on Dr. King’s mission, we take time to celebrate the progress made, but will not lose focus of the work that lies ahead.”
The program also featured remarks from Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver and Arkansas State University Chancellor Todd Shields.
“In our community, we continue to face challenges that test our resolve, but yet, like Dr. King, we must respond with love, understanding, and a commitment to action. Together, we can foster and do foster an environment where every voice is heard, every dream is attainable, and every person is valued,” Copenhaver said. “We can build bridges of understanding and create a future where equality is not just a dream, but a reality for everyone in Jonesboro and beyond.”
A photo gallery of the day’s festivities is below. Click here to watch the parade and here to view the full program.
