Southwest Louisiana 2024 MLK Day Events

Remembering and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. several celebrations, events, and concerts will be taking place in Southwest Louisiana. For that matter, all over the globe, and rightfully so. Many of the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement that he so fiercely led, or our struggles today.

King was a man of honor. A man of God. A man of principle, poise, patience, and empathy. He was also a fierce defender of social justice, equality, and voting rights. As we go out and fellowship in his memory, let us remember his call to action. The call to take responsibility for ourselves and our communities and participate in the single most important way for us to obtain America's promise of freedom, liberty, and justice for all.

This is exactly what his address, "Give Us The Ballot" was all about." Voting is our only pathway to equal rights. Dr. King said,

“Give us the ballot, and we will place judges on the benches of the South who will do justly and love mercy."

We must vote and elect candidates who are committed to human rights, and share our interests and concerns. A voteless people is a helpless people. That is what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called us to do. That is what the Civil Rights Movement was all about. So, if we truly want to honor his memory we must step up and play an active role in our futures.

Finally, let us follow Dr. King's lead and practice self-control, especially when dealing with each other. Let's work on becoming slow to anger and follow his principles for leading non-violent lives. After all, we can't fight for our futures if we are fighting ourselves. Happy MLK Holiday y'all!

Below is a look at a few Martin Luther King Jr. events taking place in Southwest Louisiana:

For a look at a few of the event MLK activities going on in the Lake area, and surrounding Parishes. See the schedule of events below:

LAKE CHARLES

January 12

40th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast - L’Auberge Casino Resort - 7:30 a.m. - Tickets (337) 491-9955

Prayer Walk - MLK Center in Lake Charles - 2009 N. Simmons St. - 9 a.m.

January 13

Men’s Symposium - MLK Center - 2009 N. Simmons St. - 8 a.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration with Lil Nate & The Zydeco Big Tymers Live [18+] - 11 a.m.(new time change) - 1 a.m.
Knight Hall - 2526 Opelousas Street

January 14

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MLK Gospel Extravaganza - Mt. Olive Baptist Church - 3007 Enterprise Blvd. - 5 p.m.

January 15

Lake Charles MLK Parade - 10 a.m.-
From the Civic Center to Broad Street from Broad Street to Enterprise Boulevard from enterprise Boulevard to a lift on Mill Street back to the Civic Center.

Friends & Family Day - Lake Charles Event Center - (following parade)

DERIDDER

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January 15

C&B Community Organization Annual MLK Celebration - DeRidder City Hall - 2000 S. Jefferson St.

10 a.m. - Car Show - City Hall parking lot near railroad tracks.

Noon - MLK celebration - guest speakers, free food, and refreshments, followed by a march to Norris Memorial Church.

LEESVILLE

January 11

Spelling Bee/Oratorical Contest - Leesville Martin Luther King Community Center - 1003 N. Gladys St. - 5:30 p.m.
Jan. 13

Health Fair/Blood Drive - Held at the Leesville Martin Luther King Community Center at 1003 N. Gladys St. beginning at 10 a.m.

Scholarship Banquet - Held at the Leesville Martin Luther King Community Center at 1003 N. Gladys St. beginning at 7 p.m.