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Due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, and concern for public safety, the various community groups will not hold in-person celebrations on Martin Luther King Day.

Organizers are proud to announce the collaboration of the Bogalusa Voters League, Concerned Citizens Angie/Varnado, and Franklinton Dr. King Community Celebration Committee — these groups have partnered together to host the Washington Parish Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Celebration 2021.

These groups invite all of Washington Parish to share in the celebration via Facebook “Watch Party.” The viewing will begin on Monday, Jan. 18, at 1 p.m. Please invite friends, family and everyone in your Facebook contact list. Special consideration to our elderly population should be given, in order that they receive support in accessing this program.

The Facebook page can be found by searching for “Washington Parish Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Celebration.” Please like the page.

The program will honor the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. It will also celebrate some of the local parish pioneers in the Civil Rights Movement, and community leaders of today. The honorees will include: Creed Rogers, O’Neal Moore, Freddie Jefferson, Meloydse Peters, Roxy Roberts, Fletcher Anderson, R.T. Young, Royan Burris, Gayle Jenkins, Eugene Brumfield, Olander Smith, Rayfus Martin, Baringer Barker, Alice Dillon and Greg Route.

Remember, MLK Day is a celebration of the man and the movement.

Bruce E. Sampson is the producer of this event.