Union Parish Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.
By: JaCoby Tubbs
Updated: January 20, 2013
UNION PARISH -- Martin Luther King Day is Monday, but the Union Parish community came together Saturday morning for their first memorial celebration.
Folks gathered in front of the Union Parish Courthouse and marched all the way to the Willie Davis Jr. recreation center.
Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue served as keynote speaker, as local church members offered a prayer for peace.
Parish officials declared January 19th and each Saturday before the 3rd Monday in January in future years, as the day to recognize the civil rights leader in Farmerville and Union Parish.
Willie Payne, chairman of the Union Parish MLK Planning Committee, says the event is long overdue.
"After the light clicked on last year, we formed a diverse committee and from that day on, we worked extremely hard to bring this special program to people," Payne said. "Though his death took place over 50 years ago, it remains important for residents and people to learn about him."
Folks gathered in front of the Union Parish Courthouse and marched all the way to the Willie Davis Jr. recreation center.
Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue served as keynote speaker, as local church members offered a prayer for peace.
Parish officials declared January 19th and each Saturday before the 3rd Monday in January in future years, as the day to recognize the civil rights leader in Farmerville and Union Parish.
Willie Payne, chairman of the Union Parish MLK Planning Committee, says the event is long overdue.
"After the light clicked on last year, we formed a diverse committee and from that day on, we worked extremely hard to bring this special program to people," Payne said. "Though his death took place over 50 years ago, it remains important for residents and people to learn about him."
