By STACEY PLAISANCE / L’Observateur / January 20, 1999

HAHNVILLE – Hundreds of St. Charles Parish residents gathered inHahnville Monday for the 14th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. freedommarch and commemorative ceremony.

The 1999 King Day grand marshal, Desmond Hilaire, led marchers from the Westbank Bridge Park to the steps of the parish courthouse while singing the well-known verses of, “We Shall Overcome,” an inspirational song dating back to the 1960s.

Hilaire said he felt honored to be chosen grand marshal for 1999 and lead Monday’s march.

“I’m only 32 years old, and I feel honored that they chose me even though I’m young,” Hilaire said. President of the Martin Luther King Jr.Commemorative Organization for St. Charles Parish, Margaret Marshall,said the grand marshal is chosen by members of the organization based on their demonstration of civic duty and community leadership.

“The march went well, and we will always look for more people to come out,” Hilaire said. As the message of King continues to be spread eachyear, the crowds will continue to grow as well, he said.

Marshall said participation in the ceremony has increased since earlier marches held in the parish, and St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagnesaid Monday’s program was one of the largest he’s witnessed in Hahnville.

“I’ve been coming to this ceremony for the past few years, and I’ve walked with the marchers, and this is one of the largest turn-outs I’ve seen,” Champagne said. “It was a great day for the march, and the weather wasbeautiful.”Founder of St. Charles Parish’s MLK Commemorative Organization, BurnellMoliere, said the march and ceremony were initiated in the mid-1980s to promote a greater understanding of black history.

“Those who understand our history and where we came from know the significance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and we want to honor him,”Moliere said. “It’s important for our children to understand our history andnever let them forget our history.”Marshall said the children are often enthusiastic about the program and enjoy the march. It’s important that the value and significance of thesetraditions live on through the children, she said.

“Our parents lived when Dr. King was alive, and we are carrying his lifeand teachings to the next generation,” Marshall said. “We want them toserve as role models and do the same for their kids.”Youth from various churches throughout the parish participated in Monday’s ceremony. Members of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Drill Team inAma headed the march with a bright banner and made a presentation during the ceremony following the march. The Philadelphia Baptist Church DrillTeam from Hahnville and the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Drill Team fromBoutte also made special presentations at the ceremony.

Ama resident Valerie LeBeauf said getting area youth interested in the celebration instills good morals.

“If we get the kids interested, it gets them into the Bible and keeps them off the street,” LeBeauf said. “That’s what Dr. King is all about.”Other presentations were given by Lekiesha Baker, Stephanie Stipe, the Philadelphia Baptist Church’s Children of Praise, Tiffany Markey, Tamaneka Odinga, Kamau Odinga, Loretta Johnson, Monsanto Company, Leslie Carter and the Reverend D.B. Mollaire.Delivering Monday’s keynote address at the commemorative ceremony, state Rep. Roy Quezaire Jr. said he considers himself a pupil of Dr. King.Quezaire, who resides in Donaldsonville, represents portions of St. John,St. James, Ascension, Assumption and Iberville parishes.Quezaire said Monday was not a holiday for individuals, but rather a celebration for all Americans.

“Today, every American should feel a sense of pride and dignity for being American,” Quezaire said. “Hopefully, we will live up to the dreams andaspirations of Dr. King, but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

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