On Saturday, Jan. 19 from 1 to 3:30 p.m., the Round Rock Black History Organization, with participation from the Round Rock Independent School District, and support from First Baptist Church of Round Rock is presenting the 32nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration.

The celebration includes a commemorative walk followed by a program at the First Baptist Church of Round Rock, located at 306 Round Rock Ave in Round Rock. The walk depends on the weather.

The commemorative walk is tentatively scheduled to begin at the City of Round Rock McConico Building, at 301 W. Bagdad Ave. Parade participants and marchers, led by an ROTC Color Guard from Hutto High School, and a drumline from Cedar Ridge High School of Round Rock ISD, will assemble at 1 p.m., and begin the march promptly at 1:30 p.m. The march will last approximately 15 minutes and will end at the First Baptist Church.

A program with speakers and entertainment will be held at the First Baptist Church beginning at 2 p.m. The program will feature The Levites, an acclaimed gospel group. According to their website “they’ve appeared multiple times at The House of Blues, SXSW music festival, Austin City Limits, Trinity Broadcasting Network, The Word Network, T.D. Jakes’ MegaFest Conference, and much more, “The Levites are proud sponsors and representatives of: Compassion International, World Vision, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, InterVarsity, and Urbana Missions.”

The program will also include students from the CD Fulkes Middle School Choir from Round Rock ISD, and the Praise Dancers of Sweet Home Baptist Church. The emcees will be The Honorable Hilda Montgomery, City Council of Round Rock, and Ed Hardin, Executive Director of the Dr. James Polk Academy of Arts and Technology.

The Guest Speaker will be Tina Steiner, from Round Rock ISD. Tina was appointed Commissioner of the Round Rock Housing Authority in March 2017. Tina is a member of El Amistad Club, NCC Truancy Diversion Intake Advisor, Chamber Of Commerce Infrastructure Council, Community Liaison for the Heart of Round Rock, Local Legend Selection Committee, and the Rodeo Austin Ambassador Committee. The Speaker of the Occasion will be Master Bronson Burleson of Sweet Home Baptist Church, in Round Rock.

The public is invited to participate by attending the walk, bringing banners, and attending the program. Attendance is free of charge and all are welcome. Corporate supporters include Round Rock Nissan, Wag A Bag, Henna Chevrolet, and 3M Company. Non-corporate supporters include St. Paul A.M.E., First Baptist Church, Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, One Way Baptist Church, Sweet Home Baptist Church, Bahai’ Faith of Round Rock, and Round Rock Public Library.

For further information

Call 512-567-6988 or email dhill520@yahoo.com.