Published: January 14, 2009 11:21 pm      

Gala to kick off annual MLK Parade and Celebration

Special to The Star



To celebrate the fruition of Dr. Martin L. King Jr.'s famously prophetic "I Have a Dream" speech, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration Committee will honor the person who most exemplifies the character of Dr. King – Barack Obama, the first African American elected to the position of president of the United States of America.

A Pre-Inaugural Gala will be held Saturday at the Gathering Place on Front St. The gala will center around a White House state dinner theme.

"There is White House memorabilia and table décor, and the menu has been adapted from a White House cookbook written by Chef Rene` Verdon," said Sharon White, gala coordinator.

Featured White House dishes include Cornish Hen Helene and Cherries Jubilee.

It has been more than 40 years since King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Hence the 2009 theme for the annual celebration is "The Audacity of Hope to Make the Dream Come True – 1968-2008." Rolling Fork's Mayor Butch Walker will deliver excerpts from both Dr. King and President elect Obama’s speeches.

The gala will begin with a program to honor the president-elect, as well as members of the community. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships and education programs for local youth. Tickets to the formal gala are currently on sale and may be purchased from any committee member. Special prices are available for seniors 70 years and older.

"This is an effort to honor our seniors who have lived through the struggles of our past," Smith said.

The King celebration will continue on Jan. 19 with the 10th annual King Day event in downtown Meridian.

Founded 10 years ago by Dr. Linda Wilson Jones, a committee of 10 volunteers were formed to organize the parade and Dumont Plaza presentation. Since then, the success of the event has increased and become a community activity anticipated each year. The parade has hosted bands from around the state, including Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South, Mississippi Valley State University's Mean Grean Marching Machine and Alcorn State University's Sounds of Dyn-o-mite; floats from across state lines and organizations ranging from churches to motorcycle groups.

Jones will be the keynote speaker for the 2009 celebration. The parade starts at noon and the program at Dumont Plaza begins at 1:30 p.m.