A number of Martin Luther King Jr. Day events are scheduled for the city of Atmore on Monday, Jan. 19, and the prior weekend.

The annual Unity Prayer Breakfast will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 8 a.m., at the Heritage Steakhouse and Buffet, located at 6141 State Highway 21. Tickets are $12 and they can be purchased at the door, or in advance. Guest speakers will include local ministers.

The annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade and march will be held Monday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. The parade will begin at the Houston Avery Park on Martin Luther King Avenue, and conclude at Escambia County High School.

“MLK Day is a chance to start the year off right by making an impact in your community,” said Sandra Gray, the MLK committee chairperson. “We will stand together to strengthen our community, nation and world. This is a reminder of the importance of peace, knowledge, empowerment and wellness.”

The parade will line up at Houston Avery Park at 9 a.m., and will leave promptly at 10 a.m. The parade entry fee is $10 per unit, but there is no charge for schools, scouts, marchers or veterans.

Applications are available at The Unity House, located at 313 N. Main St., in Atmore. All applications must be returned by Saturday, Jan. 17. All drivers must provide proof of vehicle insurance and driver’s license.

There are prizes for the best-decorated floats — $100 for first place, $75 for second place and $50 for third place.

Parade organizers are asking for strong participation this year, since it is the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March.

After the conclusion of the parade, there will be a memorial program at the ECHS auditorium at approximately 11:30 a.m. The guest keynote speaker will be the Rev. Phillip Brown, who serves as the chairman of the Alabama Minority Republican Party.

During the program, two MLK Community Service awards will be handed out to Atmore citizens who have made a difference in their community over the past year.
Those awards will be for the Rev. Michael Wilson Sr. and Foster Kizer.

The Northview High School NJROTC will provide ceremonial assistance at the program, as well.

After the program, there will be entertainment and a health fair, as well as a sack lunch.

For more information on any of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities, please contact the Concerned Citizens of Atmore at (251) 294-0138 or (251) 253-8947.