Bainbridge is coming together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. all month with activities planned by the MLK Committee.
The annual event, now in its 53rd year, began at the courthouse and made its way to Hutto Middle School, drawing crowds eager to celebrate and reflect on Dr. King’s enduring impact. However, this year, the committee has added additional events and made exciting changes to the parade time, route, and conclusion. New events this year are the MLK Brunch and Gospel Explosion, held on January 3rd; Pack The Pew Worship Service, held on January 11th; the MLK Gala will be held on January 17th; and the parade and celebration will be held on January 19th. The parade time was adjusted based on feedback from previous years, particularly regarding cold temperatures. The committee wants to ensure that more community members are able to safely participate and enjoy the full day of events.
This year’s theme, “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way” will resonate throughout the festivities. The annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade and Celebration will be held Monday, January 19, gathering at Hutto Middle School’s Gymnasium at 11 a.m. for the Commemoration Ceremony with a keynote address by Dr. Darius Peterson. Our Grand Marshal this year is Mayor-Elect Sylvia Washington. Parade lineup will take place at 12:15 p.m. with the parade beginning at 12:30. It will make its way to Shotwell Street and conclude at Willis Park with a celebration until 4 p.m. The parade will feature colorful floats, lively marching bands, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community groups, all promoting unity and inspiration for attendees of all ages. The celebration on the square will be showcasing vendors, local public safety, and fire department exhibits.
The MLK Committee is dedicated to advancing Dr. King’s legacy by promoting unity and inclusivity throughout the community. By coming together, we can honor Dr. King’s vision and uphold his ideals. He emphasized working together for racial justice and a better society, famously stating, “We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” He believed that people should join hands across racial and religious lines, working collectively to achieve justice and build a nation with liberty and justice for all, stressing that cooperation and service to humanity are essential for progress and peace.
The MLK Committee invites everyone to celebrate with them on Monday, January 19th and to use this day to pause and reflect on who you are, what you stand for, and what legacy you want to leave behind for your community. There are many ways—small and large—that you can honor Dr. King’s work this January.
For more information call or text Kristi Childs, 229-400-2044
In The KNOW:
Who: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee
What: 53rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.Parade & Celebration packed with food trucks, vendors, entertainers, and speakers.
When: January 19th
Commemoration Ceremony: 11 a.m.
Parade line-up begins: 12:15 p.m.
Parade begins: 12:30 p.m. Festivities continue until 4 p.m.
Where: Hutto Middle School, with the celebration continuing until 4 p.m. at Willis Park.
The Decatur County MLK Committee, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, welcomes new members to make a positive impact in our community and make Dr. King’s dream a reality. Monthly meetings are held on the 4th Monday at 6:00 p.m. at Christ Tabernacle Church, 1701 Bethel Road, Bainbridge, GA.
