Martin Luther King Jr. Events

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Martin Luther King Day Louisiana
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Across Southwest Louisiana

Southwest Louisiana is coming together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a variety of events throughout the parishes. Here’s a rundown of the events you can attend with your family:

Lafayette Parish

Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mass & Award Celebration

  • Date: Friday January 17, 2025
  • Time: 6:30 PM
  • Location: Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette Join the Office of Black Catholic Ministries for a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Douglas Deshotel to honor individuals who embody Dr. King’s virtues and contributions to the faith community.

2025 MLK Holiday Celebration

  • Date: Monday January 20, 2025
  • Location: Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center, 309 Cora Street, Lafayette
  • Flag Raising/Prayer Breakfast: 8:30 AM
  • Health Screenings & Vendor Booths: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Commemorative Program: 6:00 PM Celebrate with a day of events, including a prayer breakfast, health screenings, vendor booths, and a commemorative program featuring Bishop Paul Morton as the keynote speaker. Watch the program live on Cox Channel 15, LUS Fiber Channel 3, or online.

3rd Annual MLK Day of Service

  • Date: Saturday January 18, 2025
  • Time: 9 AM – 2 PM
  • Location: Various sites across North Lafayette Lafayette Habitat for Humanity and partners will host a community-driven day of service with cleanups, garden revitalizations, and more. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Sign up at habitatlafayette.org/volunteer.

St. Landry Parish

43rd Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Grand Parade

  • Date: Monday January 20, 2025
  • Time: Parade starts at 1 PM
  • Route: Starts at South City Park and ends at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Opelousas Grand Marshal Donna Fontenot will lead the parade, followed by a program featuring keynote speaker Judge Shaunn Caillier Harden. Enjoy performances from gospel choirs, musicians, and more. For more info, contact Rebecca Henry at 337-945-5064.

St. Martin Parish

MLK Celebration at the African American Museum

  • Date: Sunday January 19, 2025
  • Time: Starts at 12 PM
  • Location: St. Martinville City Hall and African American Museum Kick off the celebration with a flag-raising ceremony at city hall, followed by poetry readings, award presentations, live music, and a community brunch at the African American Museum. RSVP is encouraged by calling 337-394-2258.

Vermilion Parish

MLK Day in Downtown Abbeville

  • Date: Monday January 20, 2025
  • Time: 9 AM – 2 PM
  • Location: Downtown Abbeville Join The Vermilion Reach Group and the City of Abbeville for a day of unity and celebration honoring Dr. King’s legacy with community activities and inspirational programs.

Make plans to attend these meaningful events and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and vision of service, unity, and equality in your community.