‘Revitalizing The Dream’ - focus of Rayne MLK Celebration

RAYNE - The 2019 Annual City-Wide Martin Luther King City-Wide Celebration was held Monday, Jan. 21, in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Theme for the 2019 program was “Revitalizing the Dream: Working Together in Unity Through Education and Justice” as announced by members of the National Association of University Women, long-time hosts of the annual event.
The day began at The Depot Square at 8:30 a.m. with a short program; afterwhich, participants marched to the Rayne Civic Center where the main program began at 11 a.m. The march is a remembrance of the past which has given strength and hope for the future.
Mistress of ceremonies for the program was Magnolia Washington-Hollier.
Invocation was provided by Rev. Louis Phil Currie of Cunningham CME Church. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by students of the Rayne Headstart School.
Jessica Wiltz provided the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Greetings were extended by Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux, State Rep. John Stefanski, and the official proclamation was read by City Councilwoman Curtrese Minix joined by the Rayne City Council and Mayor Robichaux.
Special guests and dignitaries were introduced by Hollier, followed by a dance routine presented by P.J.’s Dance School.
Layla Figaro, the overall winner of the MLK Peace Poem Contest, read her winning entry.
Co-chairman Hilda Wiltz introduced the panel of guest speakers, including Michelle Harmon Malone, Brian Mouton, Terrence Senegal and Sgt. Major Denise Underwood.
The annual NAUW Adopt-A-School presentation was awarded to Rayne Catholic Elementary.
Long-time community and church leaders, Pastor Melvin Finley and Emile and Margie Rubin, were presented the Mary K. Figaro “I Dare You” Award.
In addition to the morning MLK March from the Depot Square and city-wide celebration held at the Rayne Civic Center, ladies of the National Association of University Women - Rayne Branch, also sponsored the annual contests that were entered by students in grades prek - high school.
A number of school awards also were presented during the program with students placing first, second, third and honorable mention.
The category winners included:
Poster: Nolton Senegal (overall winner), Serenity Rogers, Shariah Louis, Kirsten Thibodeaux, Danny Meche, Eva Melancon, Karlee Bellard.
Peace Poem: Layla Figaro (overall winner), Raleigh Young, Mariyah Coleman, Varisha Steven, Ian Bach, Camille Arceneaux, Miracle Sinegal, Emana K. Guidry, Azaryah Price, Andrew Cope.
A wellness program was again held in conjunction with the celebration as a number of local and area health organizations were in attendance offering services.
Entertainment was provided by local youth, schools, churches and organizations.
Closing remarks were extended by Hilda Wiltz and the closing prayer by Rev. Craig Gregory of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Bethlehem Baptist Church.
“Happy Birthday” song was sung by all and lunch was provided by Al Francis and the Dream Team. Dessert was provided by Walmart and beverages by Coca Cola Bottling.
During the morning program held at The Depot Square, emcee Hilda Wiltz welcomed the limited number of participants due to the cold temperatures.
The opening prayer was given by Ryan Charles and Scouts of Troop 61 and Pack 1412 led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Speakers included Javan Mohammed, Dax Constantin, Rev. Nathan Stevens of Starlight Baptist Church, and Dineen Constantin.
Reading essays were JáQwalan White, Noah Peter and Beth Bernard.
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.