Alvin M. Keeling 
NEWBERRY — This year’s events surrounding the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in Newberry will return a little more to normal after most events were canceled in 2021.
There will be a march from Bethlehem Baptist Church (1501 College Street) to Memorial Park (1000 Boyce Street) on Monday and the return of the parade on Sunday afternoon.
The walk in honor of King will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be followed by a short program in Memorial Park. As part of the program, marchers will sing “We Shall Overcome,” which will be followed by an invocation and scripture reading. Reverend Nura Ray Matthews will speak about King and his work.
The program will end with the singing of “Lift Every Voice” and a blessing.
Newberry County Councilor Travis Reeder said it’s important to hold these celebrations of King’s work each year, especially to show young people what King has accomplished.
“I want it to continue, especially for young people, to show them how they got to where they are today,” Reeder said. “The march is symbolic of King’s work.”
After the program at Memorial Park on Monday, community leaders, residents and Newberry College students, faculty and staff will participate in a community cleanup at the old Gallman High School (540 Brantley Street, Newberry) from noon to 2 p.m. . Masks are encouraged, cleaning products that will be provided. For more information on the cleanup, contact Newberry Councilman Carlton Kinard at 803-271-3767.
Sunday’s parade will descend Main Street in Newberry at 2 p.m. Lines will begin at 12:30 p.m. Registrations are still being accepted for the parade, those wishing to participate can contact Reeder at reeder4@hotmail.com. Four-wheeled vehicles or street-stopping performances are not permitted in the parade. The previously reported $10 late fee for registrations after Jan. 9 has been waived, but early registration is appreciated for planning purposes.
Andy Husk is the editor of The Newberry Observer, contact him at 803-768-3117.
