Communities across North Georgia have been making plans for months as citizens prepare to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The federal holiday for the slain civil rights leader, who grew up in Atlanta, is held on the third Monday of January, the month of King's birth.
The following list represents some of the many events taking part across the North Georgia region in King's honor:
GAINESVILLE
- The Newtown Florist Club has organized a day-long celebration on Monday, Jan. 20 beginning with a 10 a.m. service at St. John Baptist Church at 757 E.E. Butler Parkway. Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, the Presiding Bishop of the AME Church Sixth Episcopal District is this year's featured speaker. The annual King Day March steps off from the church at 1 p.m., and the day concludes with a Youth Rally at Fair Street School at 2 p.m. The Newtown Florist Club has sponsored a celebration of King's life ever since the first public holiday in 1986.
- The Northeast Georgia History Center will host a special program called "Story time with Martin Luther King, Jr." from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. Actor Mustapha Slack will portray Dr. King and read classic stories to families at the History Center on Academy Street. The event is free, but organizers will accept free or gently-used books as donations. Find full details at this link.
ELBERTON
The town of Elberton has been celebrating Dr. King's life all week. The commemoration continues Sunday, Jan. 19 with a 4 p.m. MLK Unity Parade in the downtown area. On Monday at 10 a.m., students will participate in the Academic Bowl at the Blackwell Cultural Center. Elberton has held a formal celebration of King's life for the last 27 years.
ATHENS-CLARKE COUNTY
Monday will mark the fourth year Athens-Clarke County has held a parade for the MLK holiday. The parade steps off at 3 p.m. in front of the Morton Theater on West Washington Street. A music festival follows the parade. Follow this link to get full details.
JACKSON COUNTY
Jackson County plans a Day of Service to honor the life of Dr. King. A number of service events have been scheduled across the county for Monday, Jan. 20. Follow this link to find a project.
LAWRENCEVILLE
The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County will host its Annual MLK Parade on Jan. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center on Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. This year's theme is "The Time is Always Right to do What is Right!" A health fair is scheduled following the parade.
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