By Bonnie Culverhouse

Many important events are planned for this year’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Day in Minden.

According to co-coordinator Michael Walker, the two-day event is open to the public and kicks off at 3 p.m. January 14 with a commemorative service at Mt. Zion CME Church on East Union in Minden.

“We have our very own Dr. Breleisha Gilbert as keynote speaker,” Walker said Monday at a meeting of Minden City Council. “She is assistant professor at Grambling State University, and we are very proud of all she’s accomplished.”

In addition to Gilbert, there will be a community choir, youth groups, youth contests and Leadership Award winners announced.

At 10 a.m. January 15, a Unity March will be held, beginning at MLK and Talton streets and ending at the intersection with Sheppard.

The 37th annual celebration will have “Prayer Call” at noon the same day.