1979 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Celebration
New Orleans MLK Federal Holiday Planning Commission
Taken at Evening Star MBC, Rev. Dr. Norwood Thompson, Jr., Pastor & MLK Commission Co-Chair
Many of the Commission Members are also Members of the SCLC New Orleans (LA) Chapter
Past MLK Observance
Rev. Dr. Ernest Marcelle, Sr. and Rev. Dr. Leon Tilton, Jr.
Past MLK Observance
Members Wynette Hardy Thompson and Florida Carr Hargrove
2019 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observances
March vs Parade
PARADE: An organized procession on a festive or ceremonial occasion (Webster's Dictionary). In New Orleans, parades are generally characterized by marching bands, groups, and floats.
MLK Montgomery March
On 25 March 1965, Martin Luther King led thousands of nonviolent demonstrators to the steps of the capitol in Montgomery, Alabama, after a 5-day, 54-mile march from Selma, Alabama
MLK Memphis March
Dr. King returned to Memphis a week later to lead a protest march on City Hall. That day, March 28, 1968, turned out to be one of the most violent demonstrations ever.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observances
Mayor Ernest Nathan "Dutch" Morial, 1978-1986
SCLC Members and City of New Orleans luminaries participating were: Mayor Morial; Philip Baptiste; Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr.; Hon. Troy Carter; Judge Israel M. Augustine, Murphy Sanchez; Dr. Elliot Willard, Sr. Rev. Dr. Simmie Lee Harvey; Rev. Dr. Norwood Thompson and others
Mayor Clarence Ray Nagin, Jr., 2002-2010
Pictured here with SCLC Members: Dr. Elliot Willard, Sr. and Rev. Dr. SCLC President Rev. Dr. Simmie Lee Harvey
Mayor Mitchell Joseph Landrieu, 2010-2018
Following the deaths of Co-Chairs Wynette Hardy Thompson and Rev. Dr. Norwood Thompson, Jr., five "new" co-chairs were named
2020 (TBA) Programs & Activities
1980 Andrew Pete Sanchez, Sr. Multi-Purpose Center
Philip Baptiste, Deacon John B. Williams, Gloria Irving, Hon. Sidney Barthelemy, Wilbert Petite, Herman Saul, Lesa Jefferson, Rev. Norwood Thompson, Jr., Theresa Holmes, Judge Israel M. Augustine, Gloria Irving, Michael Johnson, Andrea Lyons Williams, Dr. Durell Williams, Mother Griffin, Morris F.X. Jeff, Sr., Truner Thomas, Murphy Sanchez, Sr., Lloyd Richards, Josie LaCour, Dr. Elliot Willard, and Hon. Troy Carter
Vanishing Footprints Education Series
The Vanishing Footprints Education Series began in 1983 by Rev. Dr. Levon A. LeBan to address the need of educating interested citizens in "The Struggle for Civil Rights in Louisiana"
All Citizens Together Prayer / Peace Walk
This activity was established by Janet Tobias in 2017. Speakers: Rev. "Skip" Alexander, Min. Willie Muhammad, SCLC New Orleans President Dr. Levon A. LeBan, SCLC Macon-Bibb (GA) President Lemeul Brown
More Programs & Activities
New Orleans Public Library Celebration
Presented by the African American Resource Collection. Rev. Abraham McFarland chairs the Library Celebration.
United Teachers of New Orleans Choral Concert
Community and high school choir groups from the metropolitan area participate in the UTNO Choral Concert. Also, an international choir from Norway makes a guest appearance. Myrtis Johnson of UTNO coordinates the Choral Concert.
NCA Annual MLK Commemorative Arts Exhibitions
Artist/Educator Charlie Johnson coordinates a plethora of programs and activities with a focus on fine arts and student participation.
Even More Programs & Activities
Citywide Day of Service
"A day on, not a day off.” Commissioner
MLK Memorial Worship Service
The Annual Memorial Worship Service provides time for participants to reflect of the messages of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Official March & R.E.A.L.
"Recreating the Environment to Live." ALWAYS on the 15th of January, the birth date of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
City of New Orleans Official Celebration
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, on the Monday closest to the MLK Federal Holiday
After a brief program, participants march approximately 1.5 miles in obsservance of the many works of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Community Block Party / Celebration
A former shopping corridor for peopple of color, the Oretha Castle Haley Blvd. stands as a tribute to the post Hurricane Katrina resilience of the people of New Orleans
Dillard University Worship Service
Dillard University is one of the oldest HBCUs in the State of Louisiana. It's Chapel is one of the sites where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered a heartfelt message