Ascension Parish virtual event marks Martin Luther King Day

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office held a virtual Martin Luther King Day event for 2021.

Wanda August hosted the video, which began with a prayer from Ascension Parish Council member Alvin “Coach” Thomas. Sheriff Bobby Webre, Donaldsonville Mayor Leroy Sullivan, State Sen. Ed Price, and River Road African American Museum Director Darryl Hambrick were featured in the virtual celebration.

Ascension Parish Schools Assistant Superintendent Denise Graves, Donaldsonville Primary School Principal Dr. Tennille Lange, Lowery Middle School Principal Michael Hilton, and Lowery Elementary School Principal Karen Daigle also delivered inspirational messages during the program.

Over the past five years, Emmanuel Baptist Church has assisted in a day of service at the museum in honor of Martin Luther King Day.

Rev. Charles Brown, who also serves on the Donaldsonville City Council, arranges the volunteer group every year. He and his wife, Rene Brown, also participated in the virtual program.

Keagan Davis, a student and athlete at Ascension Catholic High School, wrote the winning speech among the student competition.

Rev. Brown credited Lt. Mike Brooks of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office for his contributions to the event.

Brooks thanked everyone for their involvement in the program this year, which featured a virtual tour of several landmarks related to Martin Luther King’s legacy.