District Attorney John Fitzgerald Kennedy Belton will be the keynote speaker during the 28th annual MLK Celebration Ecumenical Commemorative Service which will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18 at St. Rest Baptist Church.
Belton is a career prosecutor who has dedicated 23 years to serving his community as a courtroom advocate. Nov. 4, 2014, he was elected as the first African-American District Attorney for The Third Judicial District, which includes Lincoln and Union parishes.
He received his Juris Doctorate degree from the Southern University Law Center in 1990 and his undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Arts) in 1986 from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
He is a member of the United States 5th Circuit Court of Appeal, Western, Middle and Eastern Federal District Courts, Louisiana Bar Association, Federal Bar Association, Lincoln Bar Association and the Louis Martinet Society.
He is an experienced courtroom litigator in both criminal and civil courts. He conducts legal seminars and advises law enforcement officers on criminal proceedings and procedure.
He has a wealth of administrative experience in both the public and private sectors. He and his wife, Alana, own and operate The Belton Companies which holdings include real estate, restaurants, legal services, and a sports training facility.
He is associated with numerous community and civic groups and as a result of his exemplary leadership, community service and invaluable contributions, he has received the commendations of numerous organizations.
Belton and Alana, a former prosecutor, have been married for 23 years and have served as Christian marriage counselors as part of their ministry. They are the parents of two children, Alexis, 21 and Jon Randall, 17.) They share a strong commitment to their faith, family and service to the community.
The MLK Choir comprised of choir members from churches in the Minden area, will bring the special music during Sunday’s event. The MLK Parade Grand Marshal, MLK Leadership Award and Oratorical Contest winners will also be presented.