For the 33rd year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Support Group on Monday hosted a celebration of the civil rights leader’s legacy at the Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center.

King’s birthday was Jan. 15, but the national holiday recognizes the civil rights leader on the third Monday of January.

The event started off with a brunch before recognizing many individuals and groups who attended from local elected officials to sponsors.

The group announced State Rep. Joseph Deshotel, D-Beaumont, was named Man of the Year and Denise Boutte was named Woman of the Year.

Last year’s winners, PAISD elementary school teacher and children’s book author Terry Savoy-Hadley and Jefferson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Everette “Bo” Alfred, presented the awards.

“I didn’t expect this honor,” Deshotel said. “I should have known because (event hostess) Jackie Simien didn’t ask me for any money. I knew something was going on, but I didn’t think it was this. Dr. King is such an important person to all of us, this country and this world. It’s so important to continue his legacy and try to live the type of life he spoke of.”

Afterwards, the group handed out the Spirit Award to Port Arthur Independent School District board president Debra Ambroise and the 2017-2018 UIL 5A state champion Memorial Titans basketball team.

Ambroise thanked the MLK Support Group along with her family and friends.

“We would like to thank the people that God used in order to bring glory to Port Arthur,” former Memorial basketball coach Kenneth Coleman said. “I want to thank (PAISD Superintendent) Dr. (Mark) Porterie and all of the fans. Y’all are the reason we fought so hard. We put on for our city.

“All of these young men played a huge part in this. I want to thank all of the coaches here. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

The support group honored DeAndre Nico, Port Arthur native and top-10 finalist on television talent competition, “The Voice.”

“I’ve been through so much,” Nico said. “I want to give thanks to my parents.”

Nico also gave a shout out to his fans and girlfriend before singing “God is So Good”  with the live band.

The MLK Support Group took time to recognize local industries and members of the community who died in 2018.