Due to the increase in covid-19 cases, the Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. is canceling its annual KingFest parade, however, a scaled down version of the 38th annual PBICVR Original KingFest Celebration will be held.
The theme is “Nonviolence Matters, Writing A New History”, according to a news release.
Thursday — From 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m., the official kickoff will be held at Watson Chapel High School with an KingFestbirthday bash. WCHS art students will provide a poster presentation. The event will also include a musical selection by the WCHS Choir and Band and a presentation on Martin Luther King Jr. The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will present a step selection. The birthday bash is closed to the public.
The program will be recorded by UAPB TV-24 and broadcast at a later date. The school will also be featured Jan. 16 during the 400 Years of African American History Federal Commission National Broadcast, according to the release.
Sunday — The national virtual “Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock” program will be held from noon Sunday, Jan. 16, through Monday, Jan. 17, starting the Martin Luther King Day of Service at 12:10 a.m.
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Two Pine Bluff pastors will speak, Josue Martinez of Pine Bluff First Assembly of God will discuss “Sacrifices Made Matter,” and Leon Jones Sr. of Good Faith/Carr United Methodist Church will discuss “Education Matters.” John Vince will perform “If I can help somebody” accompanied by Anthony Foots, both members of Pine Bluff First Assembly. Covid-19 protocols will be followed.
“Sponsored by the 400 Years of African American History Federal Commission, Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a member of the clergy and his service to humanity,” the Rev. Jesse C. Turner said. “Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock also recognizes the thousands of volunteers who perform selfless acts of service each day in the nation.”
Acts of service performed by the Pine Bluff Faith Community Coalition Ministerial Alliance include adopting schools, walking the halls at schools and serving as lunchroom monitors.
Justice Sunday Service Around the Clock can be viewed Jan. 16 at www.400yaahc.gov.
Details: (870) 730-1131, the Rev. Jesse C. Turner, faith chairman of the Faith and Justice Advisory Committee, and executive director of Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc.