PHOTOS: MLK parade replaced with program in Rockingham

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ROCKINGHAM — Rain may have led to the cancelation of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade downtown Saturday, but it didn't dampen the spirit of those who attended a special program.

Attendees paused outside the old courthouse before walking in to listen to the Marching Raiders drum line, with Band Director Edwin Carter, laying down beats.

Inside, committee members recognized Ronald Tillman, who had been selected to serve as the parade's grand marshal, as well as winners of the essay and poster contests.

Several local leaders also read proclamations recognizing Jan. 20 as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Ellerbe Councilman Jeremy McKenzie; Hamlet Councilman Maurice Stuart; and Rockingham Mayor John Hutchinson.

The program was the second of three events slated for Saturday in honor of King's legacy. The day started with a prayer breakfast and is set to conclude with a Youth Speak Out Sneaker Ball at the Leak Street Cultural Center in the late afternoon. A Sneaker Ball Gala was held Friday evening for adults.

Other activities planned include an Ecumenical service Sunday at Mount Pisgah AME Zion Church on Leak Street, with Sharon Hutchinson as the guest speaker; and the annual MLK Luncheon on Monday at the Wayman Chapel Faith Center in Hamlet, with District Attorney Jamie Adams as the speaker.

See photos from the program below. Additional photos from Terry Clark are available at visitrichmondcounty.com.

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