The 34th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day event in Lafayette is happening tonight.
This year’s theme is Living the Dream, Building Bridges as Our Path to Success.
Eraniah Williams, 2019, MLK Pre-Teen Queen said, “Everyday, we’re taking a step forward to learn more about him.”
She says honoring Doctor King is important to keep his legacy alive.
“King did so many great things and I think young children should know about what he did,” said Williams.
A message echoed by other students attending the MLK event.
Ty’Anna Jones said, “The biggest thing I learned is what my equality is and everyone who comes and all the love.”
This year’s MLK Teen King, Kydrick Williams said, “He fought for us to be free and it’s important for us as African-Americans to celebrate this day and show how far he came to ensure we all have our equal rights.”
Gerald Boudreaux, Director of Parks and Recreation said King’s messages still apply in today’s world.
“The messages of hope, dreaming, setting goals and being ahead of the curve. Making sure we take care of business and take care of our neighbors who are most in need,” Boudreaux said. “This is a man who won the nobel peace prize, but didn’t stop at that. He continued to grow and develop as a preacher in the church, a teacher in the streets and a fighter.”
Tonight’s MLK program begins at 6:00. Former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial, the President of the National Urban League will be tonight’s key note speaker.
