Annual Martin Luther King Day program planned by Rayne Committee

RAYNE - The public is invited to attend and participate in the 2020 Annual City-Wide Martin Lither King Program in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year’s celebration will be held Monday, Jan. 20, at both the Martin Luther King Center and Civic Center.
Every year during the month of January, the city of Rayne celebrates the life of the civil rights movement leader by recognizing education, positive achievements and the legacy of Dr. King.
Theme for the 2020 program is “Celebrate the Man; Live the Message.”
The day will begin at the Martin Luther King Center at 8:15 a.m. when doors will open and hot cocoa will be served by the Ebonite Civic and Social Club of Rayne.
Also to be held at the MLK Center is the inaugural bike decorating contest for youngsters six years of age and older. All participants will participate in the march to the Civic Center and winners will be announced during the main program.
Bike entries will be judged on overall appearance, creativity, theme and use of color.
An opening prayer will be presented by Pastor Reginald Wiltz and a “march” to the Civic Center where a short program will be held surrounding the flagpoles.
Following a welcome by Jackie Wiltz, the local Boys Scouts will raise the U.S. Flag, followed by a special MLK flag as Daylen Granger will provide the Star Spangle Banner on trumpet and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by all in attendance.
Guest speaker Brian Mouton will be introduced by Yvette Senegal.
The short program will conclude with closing remarks by Jackie Wiltz and participants will then march inside the Rayne Civic Center where the main program will begin at 11 a.m.
Guest speaker for the program will be Dr. Donovan L. Segura of Crowley, staff member at Southern University.
A wellness program will again be available at the Civic Center during the morning, with entertainment to be provided by local youth, schools, churches and organizations. Lunch will be served following the program.
Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded during the annual school-related contests, including coloring, t-shirt, essay and oratorical contests.
In the event of inclement weather, all activities will be held in the Civic Center.
Every January, the MLK Committee works with the City of Rayne to celebrate this special occasion with the community to recognize education, positive achievements and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.