Special to The Star
To celebrate the fruition of Dr. Martin L. King Jr.'s famously prophetic "I Have a Dream" speech, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade and Celebration Committee will honor the person who most exemplifies the character of Dr. King – Barack Obama, the first African American elected to the position of president of the United States of America.
A Pre-Inaugural Gala will be held Saturday at the Gathering Place on Front St. The gala will center around a White House state dinner theme.
"There is White House memorabilia and table décor, and the menu has been adapted from a White House cookbook written by Chef Rene` Verdon," said Sharon White, gala coordinator.
Featured White House dishes include Cornish Hen Helene and Cherries Jubilee.
It has been more than 40 years since King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. Hence the 2009 theme for the annual celebration is "The Audacity of Hope to Make the Dream Come True – 1968-2008." Rolling Fork's Mayor Butch Walker will deliver excerpts from both Dr. King and President elect Obama’s speeches.
The gala will begin with a program to honor the president-elect, as well as members of the community. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships and education programs for local youth. Tickets to the formal gala are currently on sale and may be purchased from any committee member. Special prices are available for seniors 70 years and older.
"This is an effort to honor our seniors who have lived through the struggles of our past," Smith said.
The King celebration will continue on Jan. 19 with the 10th annual King Day event in downtown Meridian.
Founded 10 years ago by Dr. Linda Wilson Jones, a committee of 10 volunteers were formed to organize the parade and Dumont Plaza presentation. Since then, the success of the event has increased and become a community activity anticipated each year. The parade has hosted bands from around the state, including Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South, Mississippi Valley State University's Mean Grean Marching Machine and Alcorn State University's Sounds of Dyn-o-mite; floats from across state lines and organizations ranging from churches to motorcycle groups.
Jones will be the keynote speaker for the 2009 celebration. The parade starts at noon and the program at Dumont Plaza begins at 1:30 p.m.
Local News
Gala to kick off annual MLK Parade and Celebration
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
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Keeping time with the Disabled American Veterans
When you are responsible for transporting area veterans to Jackson to meet their medical appointments, you better be on time.
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