Dozens of Bogalusa citizens marched through the city on Monday, as a visible sign of celebration for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and fight for civil rights.
The Bogalusa Voters League organized the march, which began at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and North Avenue, and finished at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Tommy Brumfield said Monday was his 13th march, and he always makes a point to participate in the celebration each year. Brumfield took part in the 10-day, 100-mile march from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge in 1967, during the heart of the civil rights movement.
“It’s important to remember what we fought for, and that the work continues,” Brumfield said.
Carl Jones, a 1959 graduate of Central Memorial High School, said he has been participating in the annual march since he returned home to Bogalusa in 2001.
“I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t pay my respect to Dr. King and what he stood for,” Jones said. “Obviously the world has changed and is a lot better, but there are still some things that can improve.”
Jones was especially proud that dozens of young people participated in the march. Some of them rode their bicycles.
“I’m very glad to see the kids join,” he said. “We have to reach them to help keep Dr. King’s dream alive.”
Later that day, a program was held at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church. The guest speaker was Willie Robertson, a native of Bogalusa who is a retired sergeant major in the U.S. Air Force.
Robertson is also a retiree from the Department of Corrections, where he served as a lieutenant. He is a Vietnam War veteran and currently serves as the chairman of the Deacon board at First Missionary Baptist Church of Gulfport, Miss.
Also Monday, several dozen citizens attended a cleanup event at the Robert “Bob” Hicks home, located at 924 E. Robert “Bob” Hicks St.
Volunteers spent the day working on the home’s exterior and interior. Organizers hope the house will one day be the site of a civil rights museum.