Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Scheduled to be Held in Bolivar

The Annual Hardeman County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade (HCMLKP) will travel along Market Street in Downtown Bolivar on Saturday, January 13, 2024, with a vision for the year of “A high-quality public education is a must for our community”. This is the 32nd year the parade has been held in the county to honor a man who had such a significant impact on not only America, but also the world that a national holiday was named for him.

“There are only a few people in this country who have a national holiday named for them and Dr. King is one of those few people,” said Monroe Woods, Chairman of the Hardeman County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Committee. “It was earned because of his work and sacrifice for the betterment of this country.”

Woods has been actively involved in organizing the parade for 16 years and believes it is important for the parade to be held and for people not only to participate in the parade, but to come out and see it. He sees the purpose of the parade as two-fold, not only recognizing King’s contributions, but also who we are as Americans.

“Many people lose sight of Dr. King’s contribution and just think of the day as a holiday rather than letting the holiday speak to us about our values, who we are, and what we are about,” said Woods. “One of the things that is important is for not only our country, but families, communities, and our organizations to remember our values and why they are important. We are America because we have certain values and principles that are important to us. Dr. King’s holiday gives us an opportunity to reflect on those values and what it means to be a real American.”

The parade committee encourages student groups, clubs, organizations, as well as bands to participate in the parade. There is no fee to enter the parade. Those interested are asked to contact Monroe Woods at (731) 609-3906 or Wanda Robinson at (731) 518-5896 for more information. Parade participants are asked to arrive at the Bolivar Elementary School parking lot at 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be rescheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the same time.

The public is invited to join in the celebration and attend the parade, which will begin at Bolivar Elementary School at 2 p.m., travel along Market Street, and finish at the Luez Theater.

The HCMLKP is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and may accept donations at P.O. Box 202, Bolivar, Tennessee 38008 to be used towards the expenses for the parade.

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