LAPLACE – All three of the River Parishes have planned celebrations to take place on Jan. 20 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This Monday marks the 29th anniversary of the federal holiday honoring Dr. King’s birthday and his advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world.

St. John the Baptist Parish residents are invited to two events in the parish.

A march will take place in LaPlace at 9:00 a.m., proceeding up Belle Pointe Boulevard and down Airline Highway to the Percy Hebert Building located at 1801 West Airline Highway. 

Those interested in marching are asked to begin lining up at 8 a.m. at the intersection of 400 Ory Drive and Belle Pointe Boulevard. 

A rally will immediately follow the march at the Percy Hebert Building. Parish President Natalie Robottom will serve as the guest speaker. The theme for the event is “Embracing the Dream.”  

The St. John West Bank Civic Association will also hold its

annual Martin Luther King Jr. march and rally on Monday, beginning at noon at the Roland Borne Sr. Memorial Library, 2979 Louisiana Highway 18 in Edgard.

Following the march, U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond will be featured as a guest speaker at the ceremony in the West Bank Community Center. The theme of this year’s program is “Dr. King’s Legacy – Equality, Peace, and Service: Where Are We Today?”

In St. Charles Parish, a Martin Luther King Jr. Pilgrimage March will take place at 10 a.m. at the West Bank Bridge Park, 13825 River Road, Luling.

The pilgrimage will begin at the West Bank Bridge Park and end at Eual J. Landry Gymnasium, 108 Tiger Circle, Hahnville. The guest speaker will be registered nurse Arolyn Honor. The event is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Organization of St. Charles Parish.

In St. James Parish, the West St. James Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Committee and the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church will host the Martin Luther King Day program and reception at St. James High School. The program will begin at noon and will be held in the auditorium with a reception immediately following in the cafeteria.