Decatur, DeKalb Set To Honor MLK's Legacy

DECATUR, GA -- A full slate of events and observances are set for Decatur and DeKalb County, as the nation prepares to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on MLK Day, Jan. 21, 2019.

On Friday, Jan. 18, DeKalb County is hosting its 35th annual MLK Celebration entitled "King’s Vision: Humanity Tied in a Single Garment of Destiny.” The event will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. Juanita Baranco, executive vice president and COO of the Baranco Automotive Group, will be the keynote speaker and jazz trumpeter Milkshake Mayfield and his wife, vocalist Tine, are the event’s musical guests.

The county will also honor This Is It BBQ & Seafood owner Shelley “Butch” Anthony III and Matthews Cafeteria’s Charles Greene with the Nathaniel Mosby Humanitarian Award.

Also in Decatur, the Decatur MLK Service Project will provide free home maintenance and yard work for local seniors. This year’s project is set for Saturday, Jan. 19, and Monday, Jan. 21. from 9 am-5pm, and Sunday, Jan. 20 from 1-5 pm. Volunteers will meet at the Solarium at the Community Center of South Decatur on Hill Street, 30 minutes before shifts start.

On Monday, Jan. 21, the DeKalb County NAACP branch will host is 17th annual parade. The parade will also honor Vietnam veterans and highlight DeKalb County sanitation workers. Several bands from DeKalb County schools will participate. Opening ceremonies begin at 11:30 a.m. at Green Pastures Christian Church with the parade at noon.

SEE ALSO: King Center MLK Day Activities | Full Schedule

AND: Brookhaven To Honor MLK Day With Dinner, Program Jan. 21

AND: Cobb's Annual MLK Celebration Set For Jan. 21

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Image provided by City of Round Rock; photo via New York Public Library Digital Collections