City Celebrates MLK, Jr. Legacy
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Holy Ghost Catholic Church resonated Monday with lively gospel music and admonitions from guest speakers who urged those in attendance to continue advocating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The church event orchestrated for the 43rd consecutive year by Rebecca Henry, featured meaningful addresses by her and municipal officials.
Several of those speeches noted the irony of witnessing a presidential inauguration and the MLK, Jr. birthday celebration occur on the same day.
However there was hope contained within each of the speakers’ messages that the idea the civil rights leader promulgated over 60 years ago will continue to illustrate relevance, the speakers said.
Henry, who has spent nearly eight decades in St. Landry Parish, issued a hopeful speech that included the thought that area race relations are improving.
“Those of you who are my age, you can see it,” Henry added.
“We need to continue to help and think about others, but like Dr. King reminded us, you have to continue to be committed. What can we do for our people? Remember that it’s not about me,” Henry said in her closing remarks.
That is why, Henry said, that she has continued to push forward annually with the MLK programs and that remind others about the importance of what King professed during the 1960’s.
Keynote speaker and Opelousas City Judge Shaunn Caillier-Harden said the presidential inauguration coinciding on Monday with the MLK, Jr. birthday event, presented a significant opportunity for America.
“What better way to celebrate about what Dr. King stands for,” Caillier-Harden said.
Opelousas Mayor Julius Alsandor also noted that the context of what was being celebrated locally and elsewhere with regards to Dr. King can perhaps be noted by members of the Trump administration.
Caillier-Harden pointed out that persons within all communities need to continue creating conversations centered on social justice issues and promoting love.
Conversations on social media platforms can be beneficial rather than hurtful, Caillier-Harden said.
Caillier-Harden reminded her audience that last week evidence of Dr. King’s dreams were in effect, as elected officials discussed how the community can work together.
“We are living proof about what Dr. King wants to do. We are now going into communities where we have never gone before.We are seeing a difference and we are making a difference,” said Caillier-Harden.
Opelousas Police Chief Graig LeBlanc said that life lessons from King’s writing are necessary to change attitudes in the community.
“What he has said will help change the cycle of anger. Let us also embrace (King’s) life of understanding where we put our differences aside for the greater good. Let us also commit to a higher cause and be mentors for children and refuges for our elderly,” said LeBlanc.
Alsandor mentioned that it is important to recall that King emphasized the importance of remembering that all men are created equal, while generations need to display the courage to use those ideas to change the world.
Mary Doucet said the consecutive string of MLK Jr. celebrations in Opelousas have been important.
“We need to show the dream of Dr. King has not died. Some of his dreams have come to pass, but we still have to live that dream and fight for justice and the equality of all men,” Doucet said.

