A celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and work is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 18, on the east side of the Union County Courthouse.
According to organizer Jacarllus Hill, the program will double as an opportunity to remember the accomplishments of Dr. King as well as a call to action.
“It will be a celebration and tribute to the legacy of Dr. King focused on implementing what he did right here in El Dorado,” Hill said.
The title and theme of the event is “Still Climbing.”
“It’s a reference to Dr. King’s ‘Mountaintop’ speech. I think, in light of the past year, there’s evidence that we have not reached the top of the mountain of peace, justice and brotherhood. We’re still climbing, still people putting effort forward, and we have to march through this terrain to get to the summit of equality,” Hill said.
King gave his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech the day before he was assassinated - April 3, 1968 - in Memphis, Tenn.
A series of speakers will be on hand to elucidate on the program’s theme including El Dorado Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer, City Council member Willie McGhee, Erica Hinton and Hill.
The Rev. Daniel Willis will open the program.
Hill said that the outdoor venue was chosen to allow plenty of space for social distancing.
“That’s the idea behind it - give people enough space in a location where they can socially distance. We think there won’t be any problems because we are outside,” Hill said.