We've put together a list of events planned across Acadiana to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr.
Here's the list of events we have, arranged by parish. If you don't see your event here but would like it listed, please email to news@katctv.com
EVANGELINE PARISH
The Evangeline Parish Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation will host its MLK Holiday Observance on Monday, January 20. This year's theme is "Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365." The parade will roll at 10 a.m., starting at the EP Media Center and traveling down MLK Jr. Drive to the MLK Jr. Center on Alton Locks Street. The program starts at 11:15 a.m. at the center.
LAFAYETTE PARISH
Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mass & Award Celebration on January 17, 2025, at 6:30 PM at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette. This Mass pays tribute to individuals who embody Reverend King's heroic virtues and qualities and acknowledges their impactful contributions to the faith community. Sponsored by the Office of Black Catholic Ministries, the Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Douglas Deshotel.
The Martin Luther King Jr., Holiday Committee of Lafayette announces the activities and programs for the 2025 celebration on Monday, January 20, 2025. The Flag Raising/Prayer Breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. Dr. King recipients are Ms. Joyce Evans, Mrs. Frances Shaw, Chief Robert Benoit and Dr. Kenneth Brown. There will be health screening and numerous vendor/organization booths in the gymnasium upon completion of the breakfast program and concluding at 1:30 p.m. Information on Economic Development opportunities as well as workforce development updates will be presented to the attendees. Reggie’s Soul Food (Reginald Batiste) will have plate lunches available for purchase beginning at 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The 39th Martin Luther King Holiday observance will conclude with the Commemorative Program which will start at 6:00 p.m. with Bishop Paul Morton serving as the keynote speaker. Musical selections will be provided by the MLK/Acadiana Ecumenical Choir and the committee will recognize several youth for their educational achievements. All activities will be held at the Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center located at 309 Cora Street, Lafayette, LA 70501.
The Prayer Breakfast, Youth/Adult Activities and Commemorative Program will be available for viewing via television access or remotely as follows:
Cox Communication Channel 15 and LUS Fiber Channel 3.
Live Streaming web site –
Commemorative Program:
Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, in collaboration with the Lafayette Consolidated Government, the MLK Committee, Parish Proud, and the Lafayette Coteries, is proud to host the 3rd Annual MLK Day of Service on Saturday, January 18, 2025. This community-driven event will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by bringing together volunteers from across the region to complete impactful service projects across the northside of Lafayette.
From neighborhood cleanups and beautification projects to community center rehabilitation and garden revitalization, volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful improvements in some of Lafayette’s most vibrant communities. The event is a reflection of Dr. King’s vision of unity, service, and social action.
"We’re excited to see the community come together to continue the spirit of service that Dr. King inspired,” said Tina Bingham, LHFH Community Development Director. "This event is about more than beautifying neighborhoods, it’s about building stronger, more connected communities."
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
- Location: Various project sites across north Lafayette
- Time: 9 am to 12 pm and 9 am to 2 pm
- Projects: Service projects, including community cleanups, park improvements, and garden enhancements
- Volunteer Registration: Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and community members can sign up to participate at https://habitatlafayette.org/volunteer/ [habitatlafayette.org] .
How to Get Involved
Interested individuals, families, and groups can sign up online to volunteer and select a project of their choice. All necessary tools and supplies will be provided at each site, along with refreshments for participants.
By joining forces for this day of service, Lafayette residents have a chance to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while contributing to a stronger, more unified community.
For more information, please contact Tina Bingham at 3374007224 or tina@habitatlafayette.org. Follow Lafayette Habitat and community partners on social media for updates and highlights.
Volunteer Louisiana and Feeding Louisiana are hosting meal packing events as part of the Million Meals for MLK initiativeon Monday, January 20, 2025, at food banks across the state, with the aim of packing 1 million meals at locations statewide for Louisiana families by the end of January.
MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. In Louisiana, food insecurity remains a pressing issue. The Million Meals for MLK initiative will make a real difference by providing meals to those in need. This campaign not only supports families across the state but also reflects Dr. King's mission of service and uplifting communities. The event brings the community together to serve, share, and contribute, continuing Dr. King's efforts to build a more just and equitable society.
Learn how you can get involved at MillionMealsforMLK.org [u33712854.ct.sendgrid.net].
| WHAT: | Million Meals for MLK meal packing event |
| WHO: | Volunteer Louisiana Volunteer Louisiana Commission Feeding Louisiana Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank Louisiana Blue Entergy Louisiana |
| WHERE: | Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank 10600 S. Choctaw Drive Baton Rouge, LA |
| WHEN: | Monday, January 20, 2025 10 a.m. - Noon |
Additionally, meals will be packed at seven locations around Louisiana throughout the week. Here is a listing of locations and times for those events.
Tuesday, January 21 – AlexandriaFood Bank of Central Louisiana
3223 Baldwin Ave. Alexandria, LA
10 a.m. – noon
Tuesday, January 21 – New OrleansSecond Harvest Food Bank
700 Edwards Ave. New Orleans, LA
10 a.m. – noon
Tuesday, January 21 – ThibodauxGood Samaritan Food Bank - Thibodaux
100 Burch St. Thibodaux, LA
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 22 – LafayetteSecond Harvest Food Bank
215 E. Pinhook Road Lafayette, LA
10 a.m. – noon
Wednesday, January 22 – MonroeWest Monroe Convention Center (for Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana)
901 Ridge Avenue West Monroe, LA
10 a.m. – noon
Thursday, January 23 – Lake CharlesSecond Harvest Food Bank
2309 Hwy. 397 Lake Charles, LA
10 a.m. – noon
Thursday, January 23 – ShreveportBossier Council on Aging
706 Bearkat Dr. Bossier City, LA
10 a.m. – noon
ST. LANDRY PARISH
The 43rd Annual Rev. Dr. King Jr. grand parade will roll through the streets of Opelousas at 1 p.m. on January 20. Grand Marshal will be Donna Fontenot, Secretary of the Holy Ghost Parish Office. Line-up and staging will start at 11 a.m. The route will be from South City Park, north on Market, east on Block Street, north on Union Street and end at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church parking lot. A program will the begin, with Keynote Speaker City Court Judge Shaun Caillier Harden of Opelousas. There will be more speakers as well as gospel choirs, singers, musicians and dancers performing. Church groups, school groups, social and civil organizations, Kings, Queens, trucks, cars, bands and marchers are encouraged to participate in the parade. No horses, please. For more information, call Rebecca Henry at 337-945-5064 and Nia Henry 337-523-8079 and Wynona Thomas at 337-344-0138.
In Eunice, there will be a parade and a peace rally to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday on Sunday, January 19. Here are the details:
ST. MARTIN PARISH
The African Museum will host a celebration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, January 19th, commencing at noon. The festivities will kick off with a flag-raising ceremony right in front of city hall, located at 120 S New Market St, St Martinville, LA 70582. The program will then move to the St. Martinville city hall chambers. Feel free to come and enjoy poetry readings, award presentations for our amazing local community servants, some live music, and a delicious brunch right after at the African American Museum. It’s a great opportunity to come together and honor Dr. King’s legacy as a community. RSVP is encouraged. For more information or RSVP, please contact: The African American Museum, 125 S New Market St, St Martinville, LA 70582, (337) 394-2258
VERMILION PARISH
𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞: 𝟗:𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐌 - 𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌
𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: CHANGED DUE TO WEATHER: ABBEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM.
Get ready for a day of unity, inspiration, and community spirit as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., A Day ON, Not a Day OFF!
Spread the word, invite your friends, and let’s come together to celebrate and make history!
Sponsored by The Vermilion Reach Group and the City of Abbeville
