Martin Luther King Day Celebration held, individuals honored

RAYNE - The 2020 Annual City-Wide Martin Luther King Celebration was held Monday, Jan. 20, in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Theme for the 2020 program was “Celebrate the Man, Live the Message” as announced by members of the National Association of University Women, long-time hosts of the annual event.
The day began at The MLK Center at 8:30 a.m. with a short program, hot cocoa and welcome by Jackie Wiltz. The opening prayer was provided by Pastor Reginald Hilts.
Participants then marched to the Rayne Civic Center where the local Boy Scouts of Troop 61 hoisted the United States Flag atop the flag poles, followed by a special MLK flag on the lower flag pole.
The main MLK program began at 11 a.m. at the Civic Center with Pastor Regional Hilts serving as master of ceremonies
The invocation was provided by Pastor Nathan T. Stevens, with the Pledge of Allegiance led by students of the Central Rayne Kindergarten.
Greetings were extended by members of the MLK Committee, Lester Washington and Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux.
Curtrese Minix of the Rayne City Council read the official proclamation from the city and presented the document to the MLK Committee.
Special guests and dignitaries were introduced by Hilts, followed by a dance routine presented by P.J.’s Dance School.
Guest speaker for the program was Dr. Donovan L. Segura of Crowley, a community advocate, inspirational speaker, eloquent communicator, paradigm shifter and political analyst who works religiously to leave an indelible imprint on every project he undertakes. The prominent, accomplished, energetic professional can often be seen working with the administration, faculty, staff and students on the flagship campus. Professionally, Dr. Segura is employed at Southern University and A&M College. His responsibilities include a service-quality that develops faculty, strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, administrative coaching, project management, data analysis and college marketing. In addition to his administrative duties at the university he remains active in the community through the Beta Iota Lambda chapter of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha and as a Board Member for the non-profit organization, Serve Louisiana. He is a member of the Southern University Alumni Association and was selected as a member of the association’s Inaugural Cohort Top 40 Under 40 Alumni.
Segura stressed the importance of "celebrate by serving, being upright and treat people right." He also acknowledged that all communities have issues, but faith and trust in the Lord is needed to overcome these issues.
"Keep dreaming through it all" he stated during his short, but moving speech. He noted, "When you do what's right, great things happen. So, set an example for your generation and for future generations."
The winning essay submitted by Rayne High student Destiny Chatelain was read by committee member Elaine Sias who congratulated the oratorical winner and other submissions.
NAUW President Laura C. Levy announced the NAUW’s 2020 Adopt-A-School and presented Branch Elementary as it’s honoree.
A wellness program was again held in conjunction with the celebration as a number of local and area health organizations were in attendance offering services.
Jessica Wiltz provided a musical selection, followed by the announcement of school coloring, shoebox float and t-shirt design winners. A complete list of the winners and photos of the event will be highlighted on a special page in next week’s newspaper edition.
Long-time community and church leaders were honored with the 2020 Mary K. Figaro “I Dare You” Awards, as follows by the NAUW: Brenda Freeman, Paula Cutrer, Jeanette Williams, Virgie Gage and the late Rev. Cozy Gage.
Door prizes and closing remarks were announced by committee member Katie Jolivette, and Bishop Caleb Simon provided the closing prayer for another most successful MLK City-Wide Celebration for the city of Rayne.
The “Happy Birthday” song was sung by all and lunch was provided by the following sponsors: Rayne Branch of NAUW, City of Rayne, Mayor Chuck Robichaux, Ebonites Social and Civic Club, Mouton Pharmacy, Laura Levy, CJ’s Towing, Beslin & Cunningham, Daughters of Nefertiti, Elaine “Momma Wolf” Sias, Sheriff K.P. Gibson, CJ Prevost Insurance, Al Francis, Coca Cola, Rayne State Bank, Sadie’s Flower Shop, Borden, King City, Galal Kassim, Evangeline Maid, Rayne Flower Shop, Super 1 of Rayne, Walmart, Dexter Harmon, Rayne Public Library, Sonic of Rayne, Starlight Baptist Church, Hollywood Nails II, Acadiana Family Medical Center, Acadia Parish Assessor Jimbo Petitjean, Starbucks, E&R Snacks, Falius Lewis & Samantha Young, Marcus Simmons-SLCC, Ursula Hawkins, Sanctuary Church of Rayne, and all vendors, donors and volunteers who assisted with the successful 2020 program.