MLK Jr. Day parade, program set for Jan. 16

Pike County citizens will honor and celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade set for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 through downtown Zebulon. The theme for 2023 is “Educating the Dream; Advocating the Dream; Activating the Dream” and the grand marshal will be Marvin Hollis since last year’s parade was cancelled due to weather. There will be no program following the parade this year.

“Everyone is encouraged to participate as we continue to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Regina Bridges.

This year’s event will consist of vehicles only. Line up starts at 9:30 a.m. and the parade will leave the Fullers Chapel United Methodist Church parking lot at 10 a.m. For more, contact Regina Bridges at 678-588-4058, Patricia Beckham at 770-468-4937, Edward Alexander 770-567-8991 or Veronica Evans at 770-567-3225.

The 2023 grand marshal is Marvin J. Hollis who is the youngest child of the late James R. Hollis and Elizabeth T. Hollis. He is a native of Pike County where he still resides. He graduated from Pike County High School in 1981, from Middle Georgia College in Cochran, GA with an Associate in Fine Arts in 1983 and continued his education at the Art Institute of Atlanta and Art Institute of Chicago schools of Design where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in 1985. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.,

He is a member of the Mt. Hope Baptist Church where he has worshiped for more than 50 years. He is currently the President of the Usher Ministry, Program Committee and church events coordinator and designer. He is a former member and founder of the R.L. Hodo Gospel Ensemble and is co-founder of Youth-In-Action.

He is part of United Men of Pike for Progress where he served as secretary for many years and spearheaded the annual coat drive and back to school supplies drive. He is also director of the Pike County Community Male Choir and was a founding member. In 2005, he was presented with the Golden Link Award by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for community outreach and service. He earned the Community Service Award in 2017 from the Negro Business and Professional Women Club. He received the Advocate Against Domestic Abuse Service Award in Spalding County as well as many other recognitions and honors.