Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration will present the 41st Historic Original KingFest Celebration, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and National Mentoring Month.
This year’s event begins Jan. 16 with the KingFest celebration at Watson Chapel Junior High School. The event includes a PEN OR PENCIL Mentoring Movement MLK Birthday Bash, featuring Jordan Sims, a PBICVR PEN OR PENCIL alumnus, as the keynote speaker.
On Jan. 19 at 6 p.m., the Justice Sunday Church Commemorative Service will take place at the First Missionary Baptist Church, 4500 Faucett Road. Mayor Vivian L. Flowers will serve as the keynote speaker.
In recognition of National Mentoring Month, two PEN OR PENCIL King Team alumni and a current mentee will share brief reflections on the importance of mentoring and its impact on youth, according to a news release.
The speakers include Kortne’ Newby-Dodds, a specialty registered nurse; Jade Sanders, a Pine Bluff High School senior; and William L. Fells III, a Pine Bluff City Council member.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
On Jan. 20, the celebration continues with the KingFest Parade/Marade, led by the Marching Musical Machine of the Mid-South from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. A KingFest PEN OR PENCIL King Team youth educational program is scheduled following the parade and Dr. Joey J. Gardner, a PBICVR King Team alumnus, is scheduled to speak.
The KingFest Executive Committee is asking for churches and church vans, clergy members, social clubs, civic organizations, youth and neighborhood groups, sororities, fraternities, schools in Pine Bluff and southeast Arkansas, daycare centers, businesses and elected officials to participate in the parade. The parade application deadline to participate is Jan. 17.
“Mentoring is essential for the positive development of youth, especially African American youth, as they navigate a social, political and historical landscape of negative influences,” said D. Lance Newby, president of PBICVR. “For generations, both informal and formal mentoring have been powerful tools in helping young people find motivation and resources to succeed in school, while also reducing or preventing risky behaviors.”
For details, call PBICVR at (870) 730-1131.
Jordan Sims
Kortne’ Newby-Dodds
Jade Sanders
Joey J. Gardner
William L. Fells III