By KAYLA HURLEY

News Intern

On Monday, Jan. 16, Bainbridge will be observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a parade march and a memorial program.

The opening ceremony will begin on the steps of the Decatur County Courthouse at 9:45 a.m. The parade march will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the courthouse and will end at Hutto Middle School. The memorial program will be held at the school at 11:45 a.m.

Dr. Fred Rayfield, Superintendent of Decatur County Schools, will be the main speaker for the memorial program, while Pauline Love-Gaines will be the parade’s Grand Marshal. The Potter Street Honor Chorus will perform at the memorial program.

The focus of the program, “Building Unity in the Community,” will be supported by the promotion of youth, educators and dignity, said Liz Tomlin, organizer of the event. Tomlin said she hopes to motivate local youth during the celebration.

“We want to send a message to the young people for them to open their eyes and see the importance of an education,” Tomlin said. “I want them to be able to carry on the dream and keep it alive.”

Tomlin believes the nation and the community have made a great deal of progress. She is proud to be a part of the steps being taken; yet she still sees room for improvement.

“I want [young adults] to fill classrooms at Bainbridge College and not rooms at the jails,” Tomlin said.

Luther Conyers Jr., local city councilman, believes in the dream Dr. King often spoke about.

“His dream was for people to be able to live and work together,” Conyers said. “If it had not been for his dream and everyone working together, then things would not be like they are today.”