Cumberland County Honors Dr. King

January 14/ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Vigil
Join the MLK march, starting at Bronco Square and proceeding down Murchison Road to Blue Street, ending at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. A candlelight vigil will be held inside the Senior Citizens Center, beginning at 5:45 p.m., and Dr. Paul Carter, Grand Marshall, will be the keynote speaker. Special music will be provided by the Heritage Restoration Chorale. This free event starts at 5:30 p.m. More information: 910-922-0275.

January 15/ Spring Lake’s Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast
This special event, honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., features guest speaker Marvin W. Lucas, North Carolina House Representative. The breakfast starts at 9 a.m. and is held at the Spring Lake Recreation Center at 245 Ruth Street. More information : 910-309-8515.

January 16/ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Join in the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life at this annual downtown Fayetteville parade, which will proceed from the Cumberland County Courthouse to Hay Street and end at the Amtrak Station. The parade starts at 12 p.m.

January 17 / Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Worship Service
Join in the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life at this 23rd annual MLK Worship Service, in commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. King--a minister, pastor, and civil rights leader. The keynote speaker is Joseph Leggett, CEO of Falcon Children’s Home. This free event held at Second Missionary Baptist Church in Fayetteville, starts at 5 p.m. . More information: 910-670-5662.

January 18 / 23rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Prayer Breakfast
Cumberland County Ministerial Council’s annual commemoration of Dr. King’s life, which will also serve to honor all first responders. The keynote speaker is Reverend Brian Thompson, Pastor of Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. The breakfast, held at the Crown Expo Center, starts at 8 a.m. More information: 910-670-5662. www.MinistersCouncil.Net.

January 18/ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
In honor of Dr. King, Fayetteville State University is partnering with community organizations to make a difference in the local community. A variety of indoor and outdoor projects will be undertaken. Call for more information: 910-672-2460.

January 18/ Music From Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts
In honor of Dr. King, Fayetteville State University (FSU) presents a performance of music from Duke Ellington’s rarely heard Sacred Concerts. Although these jazz-infused, sacred works were composed late in his career, Ellington called this music “the most important thing he had ever done.” The concert, held at Seabrook Auditorium at FSU, starts at 7 p.m. More information: 910-672-1571. www.FSUArts.com

January 19/ Fort Bragg Presents - Make it A Day On, Not a Day Off

Fort Bragg hosts a special speaker, Reverend Dennis Brown, as a part of its annual commemoration of Dr. King’s life and service. Rev. Brown’s presentation--entitled “Make It a Day on, Not a Day off”--is to focus on the example of service that Dr. King set during his lifetime. The free presentation starts at 11:30 a.m. in the Shaw Auditorium at Womack Medical Center.

Other activities:
Visit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park - Enjoy a picnic pavilion and open space as the beginnings for the 13 acres of land commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. An impressive sculpture of Dr. King reigns high over the park. 739 Blue Street. More information: 910-433-1547

Tour the African American Cultural Heritage Trail- Cumberland County’s African American Heritage Trail provides a historical glimpse into the lives of African Americans who resided in Cumberland County from the Revolutionary War era through the early 20th century. www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com/culturalheritagetrails