Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A variety of activities to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday will be conducted throughout Natchez and around the nation.

One of these activities, of special importance, is the “I Have A Dream youth luncheon.”

The luncheon is hosted annually by the Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture. Along with a delicious lunch, this year’s luncheon will feature a short program showcasing superb youth talent from the Miss-Lou. Natchez native, Plezetta West, will be guest speaker. West, an attorney, was one of the first youth participants of the annual “I Have a Dream luncheon.” She currently resides in New Orleans and was last year’s big winner on the “Wheel of Fortune” game show.

This year’s theme, “Dream with a Vision, Live with a Purpose,” personifies Dr. King’s life. Dr. King was a civil rights leader who preached strongly against the mistreatment of black Americans and other people of color.

He spoke out against all forms of hatred and inequality and encouraged his listeners to ignore skin color and love all people. He also encouraged nonviolence.

Today people of all races in America claim freedom. Today we go to school together. We play on the same sports teams. We pray in the same houses of worship. However, life in America has not always been this accepting. With the luncheon, NAPAC hopes to inform our youth of the struggle and the values of Dr. King. Dr. King left us a legacy of hope and NAPAC wants to remind the children of Dr. King’s dream. More importantly, NAPAC wants them to remember that Dr. King and many others paid the ultimate price; they gave their lives in the struggle for justice and equality.

Last year, 2010, was historic and unforgettable for many reasons and as we move forward in this year, we hope that this luncheon be our largest and the most memorable. Therefore, we are calling on the youth throughout the Miss-Lou, black and white, to attend the Martin Luther King “I Have A Dream Youth luncheon” in record numbers.

The luncheon will be at the Natchez Convention Center at 10 a.m. Monday. Please support the luncheon through your churches, organizations and schools or as an individual. The cost of the luncheon is $11 per person. To ensure getting a seat, please call Juanita Jones at 601-446-5752, Flora Terrell at 601-446-6288, Mary White at 601-446-5601 or the Bluff City Post at 601-446-5218.

Thank you for your cooperation and generous support in the past. Please call and make your reservation today.

We look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Juanita Jones is a Natchez Association for the Preservation of Afro-American Culture board member.