Many events slated this weekend to commemorate civil rights hero
The life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is commemorated each year on the third Monday in January. Minden has an entire weekend of events slated, according to a press release issued by organizers.
“This year will mark our 31st annual observance in Minden,” the release said. “We want this milestone celebration to be memorable.”
The theme for the 2018 MLK Celebration is “Building Bridges for Humanity,” something that will be reflected in the events.
Activities for the local celebration will include:
Saturday, Jan. 13 — Basketball Clinic/Tournament at the Minden Recreation Complex Gymnasium
Sunday, Jan. 14 — Commemorative Service, 3 p.m. at St. Rest Baptist Church. Keynote Speaker will be the Honorable Ree J. Cassey-Jones, Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge.
Cassey-Jones is a graduate of Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, and was admitted to practice law in 2006.
She was in the practice of law for more than 11 years before being elected to the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court on Dec. 10, 2016. Her mission is to be a positive role model for all children in every aspect of her life and to administer justice with compassion and integrity for every family and every child.
At the service, MLK Youth Leadership Awards and Oratorical Contest winners will also be presented.
Monday, Jan. 15 – Ecumenical Unity March, 8:00 a.m. on MLK Drive.
MLK Parade, 10 a.m. downtown Minden. There will be a competition for best decorated float, best band performance — Jr. High School and Sr. High School, and most spirited group/organization); Grand Marshal for the Parade will be GSU Band Director Dr. Nicole Moore Roebuck.
Roebuck, a 1995 Graduate of Minden High School, is Conrad Hutchinson Jr. Endowed Professor of Music/Assistant Director of Bands at Grambling State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Grambling State University, and a Masters in Music Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Memphis.
A youth rally and awarding of essay and poster Contest Winners will take place immediately following the parade at the Minden Civic Center.