A series of special events are planned in Port Arthur to celebrate the life and teachings of slain Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. while observing the anniversary of the local MLK Support Group.

Events begin with a workshop followed by church service and concert, all leading up to the annual Martin Luther King Brunch.

In celebration of The Martin Luther King, Jr., Support Group of Southeast Texas’s 30^th anniversary, a concert and service is planned for Friday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Memorial High School auditorium.

Guest speaker for the service is Dr. Earnest Pugh, a National Gospel Recording Artist who is pastor worship and assistant pastor of the Lighthouse Church in Houston.

The evening will also feature a performance by the MLK Mass choir and praise dancers.

“This is our 30^th year. We are proud God has blessed us and we have been able to do the work Mrs. King asked us to do more than 30 years ago,” Hargie Faye Savoy, founder of the local MLK Support Group, said.

Usually, the worship service is typically at a church, this year, because of the concert and a renowned speaker coming from Houston, the event will be at the larger Memorial High School auditorium.

This year’s annual brunch begins at 10 a.m. on Monday, Jan 18 at he Robert E. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center in Port Arthur.

Tickets are $10 and tables are available.

“Remember, Celebrate, Act” is the theme for this year’s MLK Brunch.

In addition to an awards presentation honoring those who have made significant contributions to their community, and a memorial service for those who died this year, the brunch will feature keynote speaker J. Lin Dawson, a former pro football player with the New England Patriots, turned motivational speaker and inspirational author.

A workshop is also scheduled at 7 p.m. nightly Jan. 14-15 and at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16 at Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, 501 West Thomas Blvd., Port Arthur.

Registration for the workshop begins at 6 p.m. at Mt. Sinai. Early registration may be submitted to your church secretary or announcement clerk.

Savoy said another workshop is planned for March.

“Though the years I have always said January is not the only month we can do the work for Dr. King,” Savoy said. “His work can be done all year long, and it should be.”

E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com

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