LEESVILLE, La. (Jan. 21, 2026) — The Vernon Parish King Day Coalition hosted a full week of events honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., culminating in Sunday’s community worship service and Monday’s annual MLK Parade and Rally. The celebration drew broad community participation, with residents, students, and local leaders joining in a week of reflection, service, and shared purpose.

This year’s program carried the theme “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence,” emphasizing civic engagement, service, and community leadership.

The week’s activities included the annual Spelling Bee and Oratorical Contest, a community Health Fair and Blood Drive, and the Coalition’s Scholarship Banquet recognizing outstanding local students. Sunday’s worship service featured guest speaker Dr. Rene Brown, pastor of Mt. Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge. The celebration concluded on Monday with the MLK Parade, which traveled along MLK Drive and ended at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center for a community rally.

The Vernon Parish King Day Coalition is a long‑standing community organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Vernon Parish. Each year, the Coalition coordinates educational programs, youth competitions, worship services, and the annual MLK Parade and Rally, working with local churches, schools, and civic partners to foster unity, service, and civic engagement. Its volunteer leadership plays a central role in organizing the weeklong celebration and ensuring that Dr. King’s message of justice, equality, and nonviolence remains active in the community.