Gwinnettians Honoring MLK Jr. at Parade Monday

LAWRENCEVILLE – A parade through downtown Lawrenceville Monday will honor Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County Inc. is sponsoring the 11th annual MLK Jr. Day Parade starting at 10 a.m. at the Historic Gwinnett County Courthouse, 185 W. Crogan St., and ending at Central Gwinnett High School, 564 W. Crogan St. A large turnout is expected.

Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson and other officials will deliver brief remarks to the gathering at the courthouse at 9:30 a.m. Then everyone will walk over to Central Gwinnett High where students will read essays they have written about Dr. King. The hour-long presentation starts at 11:45 a.m. in the school's auditorium. This year's essay topic is "Your Character Builds Your Future." 

"The celebration allows participants to recognize and embrace the diversity of Gwinnett County," according to Marlene Taylor-Crawford, secretary of the United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County. "Each year, the celebration has grown tremendously. In 2000 we started off with approximately 50 people in the parade, and last year we had thousands of participants." The parade provides an opportunity for Gwinnettians from various background to meet each other and build a network of relationships, she said.

"We must continue to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because the character traits, values and goals that he struggled endlessly to obtain are still necessary now as it was back then," Taylor-Crawford said. "We must support the call for non-violence, equality, respect, service to others, education, perseverance, etc., to build the future we want not just for us but our children," she said. "This is not just a one-day celebration but a movement that inspires lifelong values that leads to a better future for us all."

In case of inclement weather, the celebration will take place at the high school. For more information visit www.unitedebonysociety.org. 

Gwinnett County government offices will close with the exception of essential operations on MLK Jr. Day. A Magistrate Court judge will be available at the Gwinnett County Detention Center. County offices will resume regular working hours Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Lawrenceville City Hall and Snellville City Hall also will be closed Monday to observe the MLK Jr. holiday. They will reopen for business Tuesday.