There is no shortage of local events to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an American whose contributions helped all people — not only African-American citizens.

Starting today, Saturday, Jan. 16, the Concerned Citizens of Varnado and Angie will honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a parade and program. The 11th annual Black History Celebration will be Saturday starting at noon. The parade will begin promptly at the former Angie Jr. High School and will end at Wesley Ray Elementary School with a culminating program, refreshments and activities.

On Monday, Bogalusa will host several events celebrating King.

The Bogalusa Voters League will hold a march beginning at 1 p.m. and starting from the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and North Avenue. It will proceed to the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, where a program will be held.

Also, the Robert “Bob” Hicks Foundation will hold a volunteer day at the Hicks home, 924 E. Robert Hicks St., throughout the day. Foundation members hope that the home will be the site of a future civil rights museum.

The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers will be painting the exterior and interior of the house, and also participating in other upkeep projects.

Another event will be held in Franklinton on Monday. It will be held at the R.W. Johnson Auditorium (FPS), and the speaker will be the newly appointed chief of police of Franklinton, Olander Smith.

No matter where you live, there is an event to celebrate the legacy of this great American. We urge all citizens to attend these programs.