By Alice Cunningham

  Hundreds of people lined the streets of McDonough Monday for the 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade organized by the Henry County Branch of the NAACP.

   Local churches, schools, scout organizations, businesses, sororities and fraternities were represented in the parade as they marched through the streets of downtown McDonough. According to Shana Thomas-Thornton, Henry County Chapter NAACP publicity chair, there were more than 400 participants.

Locust Grove Elementary School participated in the MLK Day parade held in McDonough Monday.   Photo by Alice Cunningham

  Debra Upshaw from Jackson drove to McDonough for the celebration with her two sons, Joshua, 14 and Jordan, 10.

  “This day holds special significance for me because Martin Luther King stood for equality, and he helped ensure that the things the U.S. was founded on, freedom, justice and equality, are now able to be enjoyed by all,” said Upshaw.

  After the parade a program was held at the Henry County Performing Arts Center (PAC). McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland brought a welcome from the City and McDonough Councilperson Sandra Vincent gave the keynote address. The national recording musical group, Da Famous Boyzz, who  served as the official grand marshals at the parade, performed at the program.

  Thornton, who also served as the Mistress of Ceremony for the program, said the theme for the day was “Get On Board.”

  “This message resonates with everyone regardless of age, race or gender. We are asking that everyone find a way to get involved with worthy efforts that exemplify the life and work of Dr. King,” said Thornton. “The citizens of this county showed their awesome support on Monday and we are grateful.”

  For more information on the Henry County Chapter NAACP, please visit www.hc-naacp.org or call 404-433-3290.