Through the effort and vision of Robert and Lucy Binion, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade began 10 years ago and will be held again this year, on Monday, Jan. 17 in Clanton.

Each year the parade has been bigger and better with help from all of the area churches and communities, the Binions said.

Participants will assemble for the parade at 12:30 p.m. at Jack Hayes Field.

At 1 p.m. the parade will begin traveling from Jack Hayes Park; turn right onto 3rd Avenue; turn left onto 6th Street; turn right onto Jackson; turn right onto U.S. 31; turn left onto 2nd Avenue; turn left onto Martin Luther King Drive; turn right onto 4th Avenue; turn left onto 14 Street to park, ending at E.M. Henry Skills Center West End.
Afterward, a short program will be held at the center, where Binion, guest speaker Joel L. Atchison and others will speak.

“Ministers will be speaking briefly to inspire the community, especially the young people to keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive,” said Binion. “It’s something we feel that we need to do in this area.”

The grand marshal of the parade will be Kenny Allison, chairman of the Chilton County chapter of the Alabama Democratic Conference Black Caucus.

The Pride of Chilton County High School Marching Band, Clanton Fire and Rescue as well as fire trucks from other departments, Clanton Police cars, classic cars, Mayor Billy Joe Driver and area churches are just a few of the parade participants.

“This parade is important because we’re celebrating Dr. King’s birthday and legacy,” said Ben Chaney, NAACP Clanton/Chilton County branch president. “It’s showing that we appreciate what he did for all of us and is a time that people of all races in Chilton County can come together as one.”

The Binions would like to thank all for their participation and look forward to seeing everyone Monday, Jan. 17.

Editor’s note: A story from Sunday incorrectly identified the sponsors of the MLK Jr. Day Parade. They are Robert and Lucy Binion. The Advertiser regrets the error.