NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

(Monroe, LA) – Mayor Friday Ellis and the City of Monroe invite the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 47th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Salute. The event will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the W. L. “Jack” Howard Theater at the Monroe Civic Center Complex.

This enduring tradition honors people who embody the values and vision of Dr. King. Awards will be presented in recognition of justice, unity, leadership, community service, education, public service, humanitarian efforts and trailblazing achievements. These awards are named after local leaders who have made lasting contributions to our community and the nation, including James Sharp Jr., B.D. Robinson, Abe Pierce III, Lillie “Granny” Goins, Morris Henry Carroll, W.L. “Jack” Howard, Nashall “Shack” Harris and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The keynote speaker for this year’s ceremony is Kimberly Dowdell of Amrize, an architect and civic leader dedicated to using design to uplift communities. Musical performances will feature the combined bands of Carroll Junior and Carroll High Schools and the Wossman High School Choir. Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Larry Bell will deliver a spoken word performance.

The event is free and open to the public. To ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, the ceremony will also be streamed live on the City of Monroe’s Facebook page at facebook.com/monroe.city.

Join us as we honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy and celebrate the individuals whose contributions reflect his vision of justice, unity and service.