Top 2020 MLK Day parades in Georgia

ATLANTA — Celebrate the life and contributions of a true American hero by attending one of the many Martin Luther King Jr. celebrations and parades taking place throughout Georgia this year.

With a focus on empowerment and activism, these events seek to honor the birthday of one of the most influential civil rights leaders in history.

Throughout MLK weekend, Georgia salutes Reverend King and his vision of social change through education, peaceful action and love by bringing together the community in hopes of turning his dream into a reality.

Here’s the lineup:

26th Annual Dublin Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. Noon, Jan. 18. Free. Downtown Dublin. 314 Academy Ave., Dublin. 478-272-4002. www.visitdublinga.org.

Don’t miss the 26th Annual Dublin MLK Parade taking place in Downtown Dublin, where in 1944 a 15-year-old Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his very first public speech. As the second largest MLK parade in Georgia, the event will feature over 175 highly decorative and meaningful floats.

Elberton MLK Unity Celebration Parade. 4 p.m., Jan. 19. Free. Downtown Elberton. 706-498-8439. www.elbertchamber.com.

Congratulations to 1st place winners Jemeria Ardister and Devin Hester for the theme of this year’s Elberton MLK Unity Celebration: "We Can't Change the World, Unless We Change Ourselves." The annual celebration begins on January 18th with an Ecumencial Banquet at The Rock Gym, followed by the Unity Celebration Parade in Downtown Elberton on January 19th and an Academic Bowl at the Blackwell Cultural Center on the 20th.

» RELATED: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his death

NAACP Annual Freedom March Parade. 9 a.m., Jan. 20. Free. Henry County Performance Art Center. 37 Lemon St., McDonough. 770-914-7477. www.henrycountyganaacp.com.

Join the Henry County NAACP for their Annual Freedom March Parade on January 20th to promote and encourage strong families and community involvement. Watch the parade at the Henry County Performing Arts Center then stick around to enjoy the free Honoring Our History Program.

2020 King Extravaganza Parade. 10 a.m., Jan. 20. Free. Bradwell Institute. 100 Pafford St., Hinesville. 912-368-3266. www.libertycounty.org.

Head over to Hinesville for the 2020 King Extravaganza Parade, which takes place at the Bradwell Institute on January 20. This community-oriented celebration begins on January 18th with the Annual Leadership Breakfast and King Extravaganza, followed by city parade on MLK Day.

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MLK Observance Day Parade Savannah. 10 a.m., Jan. 20. Free. Intersection of East Broad St. and Liberty St., Savannah. 912-234-5502. www.mlkingsavannah.com.

In collaboration with the Observance Day Association, Inc., Savannah will celebrate the 41st Annual MLK Day Parade on January 20th showcasing hundreds of floats through town. Congratulations to Neveah Macon from Oglethorpe Charter School for this year’s theme: "Dr. King's Non-Negotiables:non-violence, equality, peace and love."

The United Ebony Society MLK Parade. 11 a.m., Jan. 20. Free. Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. 678-856-7602. www.unitedebonysociety.org.

The United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County will host the 18th Annual MLK Parade on January 20th with the theme: “The Time is Always Right to do What is Right!” Enjoy a short program before the parade and a health fair afterward with support from Wellcare and the Moore Middle School Parent Center.

Athens MLK Day Parade and Music Festival. 3 p.m., Jan. 20. Free. Morton Theater. 195 West Washington St., Athens. Contact. www.ugalive.com.

“Stand with Love, Not Hate,” "Let No Man Pull You Low Enough To Hate Him.” These everlasting words of Martin Luther King Jr. comprise the theme for this year’s Athens MLK Day Parade and Music Festival. Presented by the United Group of Artists Music Association, this event will feature floats and participants from local and surrounding schools, nonprofits, organizations, dance teams, churches, mobile vehicles and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement.

This article was written by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution

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