By Charlotte Smith
As the sun provided warmer winter weather on Monday, January 15, 2024, downtown Elizabethtown, NC, came alive with celebrations. The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. parade, with over 100 entries, proved to be a resounding success.
The parade started at 11 am, with the streets lined in anticipation. The parade’s Grand Marshal, none other than the reigning Miss North Carolina 2024, Mariel “Mary” Lee, led the procession with grace and pride. Alongside her was the Junior Marshal, Junior Miss All American North Carolina, Alecia Holloway, who is an example of the hope for the future generation’s commitment to Dr. King’s ideals.
Lee, inspired by the words of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., eloquently quoted, “Our lives begin the day we become silent about the things that matter.” But she didn’t stop there; Lee shared her own stirring mantra for change: “Uplift, empower, and inspire the youth of tomorrow. We must serve our communities.”
Local beloved photographer Kenneth Armstrong captured the event in photos and videos. You can view his photos at Kenneth Armstrong’s MLK Jr. Parade Gallery linked here: https://www.kenarmphoto.
Chairs of the parade sent out an email on behalf of the committee extending gratitude to all involved, stating, “We had fantastic weather and enormous crowds and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our God and the many friends of the surrounding communities. We thank the news media in “getting the word out”, Elizabethtown Police Department for their assistance in keeping it a safe and sound venture, clearing the streets and participating in the parade along with the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Lastly the committee says thank you to all of the individuals, businesses, organizations, especially Mariel M. Lee 2024 United States of America Ms. North Carolina the grand marshall and Alecia Holloway the Jr. Miss All American North Carolina the junior marshal that supported and or participated in the parade and the unity events. It is because of citizens’ efforts that the celebration remains a community tradition generation after generation. Ultimately, a heartfelt thank you to all involved in making the celebrations of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day successful.”
Following the parade, the festivities continued with Fletcher “Big Show” Collins’ annual “Unity in the Community” event. This jubilant gathering featured a delightful spread of food, soul-stirring music, and spirited dancing, epitomizing the essence of unity.
View the reel of the festivities here: MLK Jr. Day Celebrations Reel here: https://www.facebook.
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