Tyler, Longview prepare to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

EAST TEXAS — East Texas prepares to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Several events are planned in Tyler. The Tyler Together Race Relations Forum will begin its recognition of the civil rights leader Friday, January 13, with a spoken word competition and showcase at the Foundry Coffeehouse. The following day, the Texas African-American Museum on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. will welcome guest speaker Rev. Ray C. Lewis of Jasper for a pre-holiday celebration. Tyler Together will follow up on Monday, January 16 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — with its annual observance stretching from the downtown Tyler square to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Click here and here for details and updates.

In Longview, Community organizers and the City of Longview will host a variety of events from Friday, Jan. 13, to Monday, Jan. 16. Celebrations will kick off with an opening reception and jazz concert featuring Mack Guice and Low D starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, at the Longview Community Center. A parade will be held on Saturday, Jan. 14, followed by a community festival. Saturday will also include a Humanitarian Award Celebration. On Monday, Jan. 16, residents are invited to participate at 11 a.m. in a march from Broughton Park to Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where officials say a Memorial Service will be held at noon honoring Dr. King’s legacy of social justice. Click here for all the details.