Jones and Talley Lead Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade as Grand Marshals {video}
The Annual Hardeman County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade was held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, with grand marshals, Bolivar Central High School (BCHS) senior Miley Jones and Middleton High School (MHS) senior RoShod Talley, leading as grand marshals. It is the 33rd year the parade has been held in Hardeman County to recognize the activist, Baptist minister, and political philosopher, who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement. The parade theme this year was “A high-quality public education is a must for our community”.
About five years ago, the Hardeman County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade Committee started inviting the senior class presidents from both area high schools to be co-grand marshals of the annual parade. Due to conflicting schedules of the presidents and the dates of the parade, only one school was represented each year. January 2024 was the first year both schools were represented with BCHS senior Trinity Avent and MHS senior Mariah McKinnie as grand marshals.
This year, again, the presidents from both schools were available and eager to serve in the position.
“I am honored Mr. Monroe presented this opportunity to me and I took it the first time with no hesitation,” said Miley Jones, who shared why she thinks the parade is important to be held. “I think it is important to hold the parade, because it shows younger kids who Dr. King was for those who might not know. For me, Dr. King is a leader. He motivates me and inspires me to keep going and want to be excellent!”
Both students were extremely proud to be chosen as grand marshals and see themselves as role models not only to their peers, but to the community.
“People are looking at me and I am able to be a light to my peers and in the community,” said RoShad, whose simple comment, made with pride about Dr. King, spoke volumes. “He is a black man of excellence!”
The parade started at Bolivar Elementary School and moved up Market Street, turning at the Hardeman County Courthouse and finishing near the Luez Theater. There were a number of participants in the parade as well as people watching from the sidewalk as the procession rode through Bolivar.
Parade committee member Monroe Woods, who is involved in many programs, which benefit children and students in the county, was pleased to have representatives from both high schools. He spoke of the importance of their presence and the opportunities they have here and now as well as in their futures.
“We are absolutely delighted that young leaders that are on their way out of high school to becoming community leaders and county leaders and world leaders are a part of this 33rd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. My hope is that an impression will be made upon them of the significance and importance of their role in the world. Because they are going to be a lot more than local leaders, because the world is smaller than it used to be,” said Mr. Woods. “They are going to help make an impact on the world. What they say and do here might reverberate in Italy and other places, and we want them to understand their impact and potential as young people.”
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