Public invited for annual MLK Day program on Monday

RAYNE - The public is invited to attend and participate in the 2020 Annual City-Wide Martin Luther 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 the Rayne 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.”
In a change from former celebrations, 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 in attendance will then participate in the march to the Civic Center where bike 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 will be followed by a short program to 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, along with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by all in attendance.
Guest speaker Brian Mouton will be introduced by Yvette Senegal and 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 main program will be Dr. Donovan L. Segura of Crowley, staff member at Southern University. The Crowley native is a graduate of Crowley High School, three-time graduate of Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, and higher education professional who is committed to being an effective change agent and a servant leader.
Dr. Segura is a community advocate, inspirational speaker, eloquent communicator, paradigm shifter and political analyst who works religiously to leave an indelible imprint on every project he undertakes. The prominent, accomplished, energetic professional can often be seen working with the administration, faculty, staff and students on the flagship campus. Professionally, Dr. Segura is employed at Southern University and A&M College. His responsibilities include a service-quality that develops faculty, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, administrative coaching, project management, data analysis and college marketing. In addition to his administrative duties at the university he remains active in the community through the Beta Iota Lambda chapter of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha and as a Board Member for the non-profit organization, Serve Louisiana. He is a member of the Southern University Alumni Association and was selected as a member of the association’s Inaugural Cohort Top 40 Under 40 Alumni
Pastor Reginald Hilts of Sanctuary of Worship Church will serve as the day’s master of ceremonies.
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 inside 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.