Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish residents on the East and West banks will gather Monday, January 16 to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The day of service kicks off on the East Bank at 9 a.m. with a march that begins at East St. John Elementary (400 Ory Drive in the Belle Pointe subdivision) and continues east on Airline Highway to the parking lot of the Percy Hebert building at 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

Immediately following the march will be a rally hosted by Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church’s Victory Beyond the Wall Ministries. This year, the theme will be “Returning to our Original Values.”

On the same day, the West St. John Civic Association will sponsor its annual march and memorial program in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

A march will begin at noon from the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library, Highway 18 in Edgard, and continue east along River Road to West St. John Elementary School, where a program will immediately follow in the school’s auditorium.

The theme of this year’s program is “Dr. King’s Legacy – Equality, Peace, and Service. Where are We Today?”

Community activist and educator Derron Cook will serve as the keynote speaker for this event. The memorial program will additionally feature members of the Wantu Wazuri Civic Association and the West St. John Running Raiders Tournament Champions as grand marshalls.

All residents and organizations are invited to join the West St. John Civic Association Monday to celebrate King’s legacy and the progress that has been made in the years since his passing.

West St. John Elementary students have been invited to participate in a poster, poem or essay contest on the following topic: “Based on your grade level listed below, create a poster or write a poem or essay that reflects the impact Dr. King’s legacy has had on your life.”

Kindergarteners through first graders may submit posters, while second through fourth graders will participate in the poetry contest, and fifth through seventh graders will take part in the essay contest. Winners will be announced at the program. Top entries in each category will be awarded a first, second or third place monetary prize ranging from $10 to $25.

St. John Parish offices will be closed Monday in commemoration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

 

• Brooke R. Cantrelle contributed to this report.